Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on all Papua New Guineans to observe National Remembrance Day today, not simply as a day to remember those who served during times of war, but as a national occasion to honour every generation whose sacrifice, service and commitment have shaped Papua New Guinea’s journey to nationhood and continue to build the country today.

National Remembrance Day is observed annually on 23 July as a National Public Holiday, providing an opportunity for Papua New Guineans to reflect on the nation’s history, honour those who have gone before us, and recommit ourselves to serving our country with purpose and sacrifice. Prime Minister Marape said Remembrance should embrace a broader understanding of Papua New Guinea’s history, recognising not only those affected by the Second World War, but also the pioneers, leaders, public servants, security personnel, Churches, communities and ordinary citizens who contributed to the birth and development of the nation. “As we observe National Remembrance Day, I encourage our people to remember not only soldiers who lost their lives during World War II, but also the many innocent Papua New Guineans whose lives were caught up in a conflict that was never of our making,” he said. The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea was an innocent participant in a global conflict that unfolded on its own land while the country was still under Australian Administration, and many local communities endured immense hardship despite having no part in causing the war. “We must remember that World War II was not our war. Our people were innocent participants in a conflict that was never ours, yet they endured suffering, displacement and loss. Today we honour their resilience, courage and humanity.”

Prime Minister Marape said the experiences of that era also awakened a greater national consciousness that eventually contributed to Papua New Guinea’s emergence as an independent nation. “Out of those difficult years emerged a greater awareness of who we were as a people and the possibility that one day we could become our own nation. The seeds of nationhood were planted and nurtured through the 1950s and 1960s before reaching fulfilment at Independence in 1975,” said Prime Minister Marape. He paid tribute to Papua New Guinea’s founding leaders, like Sir John Guise and the early indigenous leaders of the First Legislative Council, and all those who joined tirelessly like Sir Michael T Somare in the decades leading to Independence to establish the democratic institutions and Constitutional foundations upon which the nation stands today. The Prime Minister also honoured those who have faithfully served Papua New Guinea since Independence—including members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Correctional Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Public Servants, Churches, Community Leaders, Teachers, Health Workers and countless Citizens whose dedication has strengthened the nation over the past fifty years. “Remembrance is about every generation that has contributed to our country’s story. It is about those who defended our land, those who built our institutions, those who served our communities, and those who dedicated their lives to making Papua New Guinea a better nation.” As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 51st Anniversary of Independence this year, Prime Minister Marape said National Remembrance Day carries even greater significance, providing an opportunity for every citizen to reflect on the nation’s achievements and on their own responsibility towards future generations. “Those who came before us sacrificed so that we could inherit this nation. Today it becomes our responsibility to ensure we leave behind a stronger, safer and more prosperous Papua New Guinea for our children.”

The Prime Minister urged every Papua New Guinean to embrace a renewed spirit of National Service. “Whatever your hands can find to do, whatever your mind inspires you to accomplish, wherever your feet may take you, and whatever gifts God has given you, use them in service of your country.” He said sacrifice is not reserved only for times of war but is equally important during times of peace through honest work, integrity, leadership and service. “If we cannot sacrifice for our country during peaceful times, we will never be prepared to sacrifice during times of hardship. Every generation has a duty to leave a positive impact on the nation.”

Prime Minister Marape called upon every Son and Daughter of Papua New Guinea to use this National Remembrance Day as an opportunity to “reset” and “recalibrate” their commitment to the nation. “As we commemorate this National Remembrance Day in the year of our Golden Jubilee, let us reset our minds, recalibrate our purpose, and recommit ourselves to building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of those who came before us. Let each of us contribute meaningfully so that future generations inherit an even better Papua New Guinea,” he said.