Wednesday 23rd July, 2025
Acting Governor General, Hon. Job Pomat, has urged Papua New Guineans to honour the sacrifice of the nation’s war heroes by rebuilding discipline and unity in today’s communities.
Speaking during the 44th Remembrance Day at the Remembrance Park in Port Moresby, Mr Pomat paid tribute to the fallen and the unsung heroes from villages who risked their lives to defend the country during World War II.
“Today we pay our respect to those whose lives were affected by the war, the ordinary people from our villages who took part in battle, who carried the wounded, who carried supplies, and those who acted as lookouts or guides,” he said.
Mr Pomat reminded the crowd, including Rear Admiral Commodore Philip Polewara, war veterans, the Governor of NCD Hon. Powes Parkop, ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps, that the loyalty and courage of war heroes built the foundation of modern Papua New Guinea.
“Let us remember their loyalty, courage, and devotion,” he said.
“They demonstrated obedience and selflessness at the highest level but little did they know that their actions would in fact be the reasons why we all stand here today as a country and a people.”
He said it was disheartening to see the breakdown of discipline and order in communities, warning that this was not the society for which the war heroes fought and died.
“This is not the kind of society and community our heroes fought for. They fought for a society that is disciplined and well-ordered, where families are protected, leaders are respected, women and girls are cared for, youths are well-behaved and children are groomed to become better citizens,” Mr Pomat said.
He called on leaders and citizens alike to put aside differences and uphold the values of courage, bravery, and selflessness for a stronger nation.
“Let it not be in vain. Let it be the foundation for us to put aside our differences as leaders and citizens and work together in peace,” he urged.
The Acting Governor General ended by encouraging all citizens to honour the memory of the fallen through unity and service to the nation.
“By celebrating the memory of the people that fought for us, we can build a stronger and more united country,” he said. “Lest we forget.”