PMs to commemorate Anzac Day after hours of trekking

THE Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) Day dawn service at Isurava in Northern will be the first time both prime ministers of Australia and PNG had walked the Kokoda track to commemorate the event.
Prime Minister James Marape and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese started their journey at Kokoda station on Tuesday and ended up at Isurava yesterday.
Before Albanese started his walk, he said: “Each year many Australians take the challenge of walking the Kokoda Track, alongside Papua New Guineans, to not only test their limits, but to reflect on the events that took place.
“The track retraces the footsteps of Australian soldiers and those who walked alongside them during the Kokoda campaign.
“The Kokoda campaign and the Kokoda Track form part of our national identity, a defining chapter in the story of those who risked and lost their lives in defence of Australia and in our shared history with PNG.”
He said Kokoda was a name that lived in Australian legend.
“It captures the spirit of courage, endurance, mate-ship and sacrifice forged between Australia and PNG during World War Two.”
He said participating in the walk was a solemn way to honour and reflect on the sacrifices “made by those who walked this
same ground in defence of their home”.
Marape who accompanied Albanese on the gruelling 13km walk from Kokoda station to Isurava said: “You (Albanese) said you will do Kokoda, and here you are. You are strong, resilient and determined. I chose to be your number one security guard. I will walk with you every step of the way until you decide to call it quits”
Anzac Day is to remember Australians and New Zealand soldiers killed in military operations.