Opposition Leader James Nomane is urging Papua New Guineans to honor the sacrifices of the nation's wartime heroes by renewing the values of integrity, faith and service that helped shape the country on this National Remembrance Day.
Reflecting on the significance of 23 July 1942, when soldiers of the Papuan Infantry Battalion fought invading Japanese forces at Awala, marking the first time Papua New Guineans fought and died defending their own land during World War II.
He also paid tribute to the soldiers, carriers, and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels whose courage during the Kokoda Campaign contributed to the nation's journey towards independence.
It said the sacrifices of those who served laid the foundation for Papua New Guinea's sovereignty, which was realised on 16 September 1975 under the leadership of the country's founding fathers, including Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, Sir John Guise and Sir Julius Chan.
Nomane noted that the nation's founders envisioned a country built on Christian principles, strong traditions and responsible leadership.
“Our founders wrote a Constitution that pledges us to guard and pass on our noble traditions and the Christian principles that are ours. They gave us nationhood. They asked us to give it character.”
However, he also expressed concern over rising violence, corruption, weakened families, and declining public trust, arguing that these challenges stem from shortfalls in leadership rather than a loss of faith among ordinary citizens.
“When leadership serves itself, society learns to serve itself. Moral failure at the top becomes moral erosion at the bottom.”
The message also questioned whether the goals of Vision 2050 were being achieved.
“Seventeen years after its launch, that promise of 2050 is drifting. Vision without discipline is a dream, and progress without values is decaying in disguisez."
"Our forebears knew better they anchored the nation in faith, family, and land — and so must we.”
Nomane called on political, provincial, local-level and church leaders to lead with integrity, serve selflessly and protect the values for which Papua New Guinea's wartime heroes sacrificed.
Young people were also encouraged to carry forward the courage and commitment of those who defended the country during World War II.
“The soldiers of 1942 did not die for a corrupt State; they died for a free people. Let us remember with gratitude. Let us rebuild with faith. Let us rise with purpose.”
