2015 Remembrance Day

Archbishop Young said Papua New Guinea has serious ongoing issues with violence of all forms including violence against women and children and it was events like Remembrance Day that challenges people to live in peace and harmony in the communities.

Archbishop Young who is also the Chairman of the Divine Word University Council made the remarks as the guest speaker at the Remembrance Day dawn service at the Coast Watchers Memorial Lighthouse at Kalibobo in Madang town yesterday (today Thu 23/07/15) where about 5000 people attended.

Among them were families of ex-servicemen.

PNG Loop spoke with Mea Ako from Gulf who says that he and his grand children have been attending the Ela Beach Memoriol ceremonies for the past three years.

Prior to this Ako says that he used to bring his two sons when they were smaller kids to attend such services so that they can appreciate PNG’s rich and heroic history.

Ako a retired teacher of 32 years says since 2012 he and his six grandchildren and neighbourhood kids from Hohola 4 take a stroll down to Ela Beach to witnesses the ceremony.

Governor General Michael Ogio said this during his address at the memorial service today at the Ela beach Memorial Park in Port Moresby.

Sir Michael said Papua New Guineans must celebrate the service given by these brave soldiers who died for our freedom.

He added that PNG as a young country must embrace the ideals of comradery and friendship in order to progress and develop.

“The example set by the dedication and bravery of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels is something that we all as citizens must aspire too.”

PNGDF Commander Gilbert Toropo tells PNG Loop that among invited guests will be the Police and Correctional Service Commissioners as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

Toropo says that the service will be for military significance as well as to give the significance to the day that that honours  the first time a PNG national took up arms to fight alongside Australian troops against the Japanese advancement in one of the bloodiest campaigns along the Kokoda Track.