Soldiers’ remains sent home

REMAINS of United States service members killed in action in Papua New Guinea during World War II were sent home on Monday.
US Ambassador Catherine Ebert-Gray said these service men lost their lives over 75 years ago.
“Papua New Guinea was then a part of an epic struggle that changed history,” she said.
“Fierce battles were fought on land, sea and in the air.
“Too many lives were lost.
“While most of the dead were recovered and honoured, many were not.”
Ebert-Gray said the repartition ceremony has a special meaning for her.
“My own father was one who survived navy service here in the Pacific, and his eyes still become moist when he recounts the loss of comrades,” she said.
“My father-in-law, while now deceased, was an Australian Tail Gunner over these very waters in World War II.
“I am, therefore, honoured to be here to remember the service of my family, and thousands of brave men and women.”
Ebert-Gray said the US remembered the good deeds of the fallen and we treasure their memory.
“We will not forget them,” she said.
“We promise them and their families and friends of those still unaccounted for that the search will continue.”
She said these intense experiences forged an enduring bond between the people of PNG, Australia, New Zealand, and our American military
The US Department of Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency recovered the remains and will return them to the US.
The brief ceremony paid tribute to the valour of those lost and underlined how their sacrifice reinforced the enduring tie between the people of the US and PNG.
The ceremony follows a successful investigation and recovery mission in Kovu village, Gulf, and a series of missions carried throughout the year in East Sepik, Morobe and Northern.