Standing at the Isurava memorial, a site hallowed by Australian sacrifice, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed a crowd of approximately 400 people. Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea accompanied Albanese, who had spent two arduous days walking the Kokoda Track alongside his counterpart.
Albanese’s dawn service address was delivered against the backdrop of the imposing Owen Stanley ranges, their peaks shrouded in fog. He spoke of the pitiless ferocity of the battle of Isurava in 1942, where 99 Australians died fighting to repel Japanese invaders.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the Kokoda Track, a place of mud, suffering, and perseverance, which holds a special place in Australia’s collective memory. He singled out the unadorned strength of the Australian spirit and paid tribute to Private Bruce Kingsbury, the first Australian to receive a Victoria Cross while serving on Australian territory.
Albanese also acknowledged the vital role played by local villagers during the war, risking their lives to aid Australians in need. He specifically mentioned Maiogaru Gimuleia Taulebona, a nurse who hid a wounded Australian from the Japanese.
Standing beside four stone pillars inscribed with the words courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice, Marape expressed gratitude to Albanese for being the first Australian Prime Minister to walk the Kokoda Track. He urged world leaders to prioritize peace, emphasizing its importance amidst current global challenges.
Louise Mundie from Victoria, who had embarked on the final day of a nine-day hike along the Kokoda Track, witnessed the ceremony. She described it as a beautiful service and shared that she undertook the trek in honor of her great-grandfather, who fought in PNG during the war.
As the sun rose over the mountains, an Australian Army soldier played the Last Post, and the crowd observed a minute’s silence. After returning to Australia, Albanese is scheduled to attend an Anzac Day event in Townsville later on Thursday.
