WWII veteran’s legacy lives on

 REMEMBRANCE Day was commemorated at Ela Beach in Port Moresby yesterday without one of its famous faces – World War II hero Ben Moide.

Moide died in December last year and despite his notable absence, his legacy lives on.

This was evident in the faces of young soldiers, policemen and women, jail officers, St John’s Ambulance officers and Scouts who proudly wore their hearts on their sleeves with every stride.

Fittingly, yesterday’s theme was “Their Sacrifice, Our Freedom” was in memory of those who lost their lives in WWII and subsequent conflicts, including the Bougainville Crisis.

A small but patriotic crowd, including members of the diplomatic corps, at Remembrance Park heard a recital of Australian digger Burt Beros’ celebrated WWII poem Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and joined in prayer and song before an address by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, wreath laying, reading of The Ode, and playing of The Last Post.

Sir Michael said it was exactly 72 years yesterday that men of the Papua Infantry Battalion, including the late Moide, fired the first shots in defence of their land and people.

“It was the first time natives from different tribes of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea had engaged in collective armed action against a common enemy,” he said.

“As we gather here today, in remembrance of their role and that of our friends from Australia, New Zealand and the United States in this great battle, let us pause to remember their sacrifice.

“We remember the heroic men that fell in battle as well as those that made it home to their loved ones.

“May we never forget them.”

Sir Michael said it was important to pass on this history to our children.

“Let us teach our children, let us sing it in our songs, and let us keep their memories alive,” he said.

“We must celebrate our history, as we proudly take our place among the rest of the world.

“Let us celebrate our heroes, the way other proud peoples of the world celebrate their fallen.

“Let us celebrate Remembrance Day with the honour, commitment, and hallowed spirit such a day deserves.”