Bougainville commemorate ANZAC Day

The representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville came together to mark Anzac Day with a heartfelt dawn ceremony in Buka.

The day started as early as 5am with a re-dedication of the World War II Memorial on Sohano Island.

Built by the Bougainville RSL in 1954, the Bougainville Sohano Island Memorial honors Australian Allied and native servicemen, as well as the coast watchers and locals who supported them during the war.

It is a unique pyramid-shaped structure and the only one of its kind in Bougainville.

Among those in attendance were dignitaries from the Australian High Commission, including Deana Simpson, and Commander Jonathan Corker of the Australian Royal Navy, New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG His Excellency Peter Zwart, and Fijian High Commissioner His Excellency Retired Colonel Jackson Evans and their senior bureaucrats, respectively.

They were joined by the ABG Minister for Primary Industries and Marine Resources, Patrick Koles, Minister fir Education, Thomas Pataaku, Minister for Police & CIS, John Bosco Ragu, and other senior officials.

The Bougainville Police Service, led by Chief and Deputy Commissioner, Francis Tokura, and members of the Correctional Services, headed by Vincent Kundi, also took part in the ceremony.

It was an emotional morning, filled with reflection, pride, and unity, remembering those who gave their lives for a better future.