75th ANZAC anniversary

Cosgrove honours Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels

Cosgrove made the commendation during the Dawn Service ceremony at the Bomana War Cemetery.

While commemorating the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers during numerous battles in pre-PNG soil, he also honoured the contribution of the frizzy haired helpers.

“I doubt there would be a digger who does not have a memory or a story of their deeds. All done with a smile and a reassuring calm,” Cosgrove said.

The vice regal also made special mention of Havala Laula, 90, from Kokoda, in Oro, a surviving ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel’ who was present at the ceremony,

Spirit of service and sacrifice must remain with young

O’Neill said this during the Dawn Service commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the ANZAC Day.

Many young people from Australia, New Zealand, and PNG were present during the commemoration and the Prime Minister welcomed them to pay their respects.

“The spirit of service and the commemoration of sacrifice must live with our young generation. Young Papua new Guineas, young Australians, New Zealanders, British, the American, Japanese and all other nations must learn from the lessons of war,” he said.

ANZAC Dawn Service held

An estimated 500 people attended the Dawn Service to remember fallen heroes during the World War II.

The ceremony was attended by PNG Governor-Genera Bob Dadae and his wife Hannah, as well as his Australian counterpart currently on tour on PNG, Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynda.

Also present was Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Bruce Davies, Japanese Ambassador to PNG, and other members of the diplomatic corp, visiting Australians and locals.

Relationship must modernise: Cosgrove

Speaking to Loop PNG,  Sir Peter said there were many technical programs between the two countries that needed reviewing to make sure they were relevant to people of both countries.

“It (PNG and Australia relationship) must continue to modernise.