Sacrifices must never be forgotten: Komal

Deputy Speaker Jeffrey Komal says the sacrifice of Papua New Guineans in WW11 and subsequent conflicts must never be forgotten.
He said this in his Remembrance Day address at Ela Beach in Port Moresby yesterday.
‘Their legacy, our Inspiration, Lest We Forget,’ was the theme and message of yesterday’s 37th Remembrance Day.
“We know our forefathers were carriers, labourers, scouts, guides, policemen and soldiers during the war,” Komal said. “They endured great hardship under extreme conditions and suffered casualties. Indeed, many Papua New Guineans lost their lives during the war, which had a profound impact on the people.
“This day — July 23 — became the day Papua New Guineans remember the sacrifice of our fore fathers who died in the war.”
Komal said some of the most fierce battles of WWII were on PNG soil.
“Our people took part in the war not of their choice, but to free their land from the enemy of the time,” he said. “This is history and many things have come out of it since then. They fought gallantly for freedom we enjoy today.
“Their humble sacrifice remind us that war is not a desirable means to solve conflict.
“It gave us a firsthand experience and lessons to join peace-loving peoples of the world in denouncing war as an evil act.
“Remembrance Day is a special day that has set the basis of our democracy that we enjoy today.
“It is a day that our young generation must honour in their hearts.”