US remembers fallen heroes

A REPATRIATION ceremony was held at the PNGDF Murray Barracks chapel in Port Moresby for the remains of US service members from the Second World War.
US Embassy chargé d’affaires Paul Berg, on behalf of the people of the United States, thanked the people of Papua New Guinea for their assistance with the recovery efforts.
The Joint PoW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) conducted recovery and investigative operations in Madang, Morobe, East Sepik and Oro provinces.
Each element was accompanied by a technical adviser from the PNG National Museum and a security adviser from the PNGDF
“All elements worked closely with LLG, district and provincial authorities to ensure full understanding of the mission, and mutual cooperation.
“Without the close mutual support and assistance provided by the PNG Government, local agencies and native Papua New Guineans, JPAC operations could not have been successful,” Mr Berg said in a statement.
The mission of the JPAC was to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of the nation’s past conflicts.
“No case is ever closed until a determination has been made of what happened to the unaccounted Americans.
“JPAC’s mission is strictly humanitarian and team members are held to the highest standard of conduct and respect for the laws and cultural differences of their host countries.”
Mr Berg said JPAC encouraged anyone with information relating to an American loss to contact them directly or through the US Embassy.