Eight get Fuzzy Wuzzy medals

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
EIGHT local WWII veterans have been finally recognised by the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments for their roles, making them the latest group being officially honoured as Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.
In a ceremony last Friday, they were awarded with commemorative medallions by Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish on behalf of Australian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.
The men had worked as cargo carriers, cooks and medical hands during the war, helping to save the lives of countless Australian soldiers.
Relatives, friends and Australian and PNG government representatives witnessed the occasion in which the widow of one of the Angels, the late Nauga Varina, received a medal from Kemish.
Kemish said the commemorative medal honoured their contribution. The medal was introduced in 2009.
The medal pays tribute and gives recognition to the roles Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels played in halting the Japanese advance.
“The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel commemorative medallion is a symbol of Australia’s appreciation of PNG civilians who provided great care and assistance to Australian troops during World War II,” Kemish said.
“Many Australians survived the Kokoda campaign due to the compassion and strength shown by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and their families and we are forever thankful to these people.”
Foreign Affairs and Immigration secretary Michael Maue said the close PNG-Australia ties were established during the war between locals as helpers and the Australian soldiers.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Day is Nov 3.
The Australian government has announced the restoration of the Returned League Cenotaph in Rabaul that was damaged by a volcanic eruption in 1994.
The cenotaph, or monument, commemorates the seamen, soldiers and airmen who fought there during the wars.