Remember their sacrifices: Governor General

THE stories of those brave men and women who fought in World War II  to make it possible for  us to have the freedom we enjoy today, must be properly documented and placed prominently in our national history, Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane said, The National reports.

Speaking at the 29th Remembrance Day ceremony in Port Moresby last Friday, Sir Paulias said this would “instil pride in us at their sacrifice and to remember them forever”.

“This history is an obligation for Papua New Guineans to remember the heroes who fought and helped, not just in the war, but also during the Bougainville crisis, so we can live to see this day,” he said.

Hosted by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the celebration was themed “Building a strong and prosperous nation”, which Sir Paulias said was the reflection of the war, their efforts and the hardships and challenges that go into nation-building.

He said one such challenge was that children of today were not taught the importance and significance of Remembrance Day.

“I urge parents to ensure that their children understand the day and do not miss these ceremonies just because none of their relatives died,” the governor-general said.

“Children of today and tomorrow have the obligation to remember these brave people because their rights to be remembered far outweigh our rights to forget.”

Sir Paulias said we all must remember and know that it was when Australia realised that they were alone in the war that indigenous people of PNG assisted them, adding that this led to their continued relationship between both nations  today.

“There is no greater love from a man than to lay down his life for another, and it is this selflessness and humility which are some of the key virtues in our

constitution that we must embrace and practice to build a strong and prosperous nation,’’ he said.

“Let us emulate spirit and dedication of our heroes.”