Remembrance Day which falls on July 23rd every year is observed to remember the war heroes of Papua New Guinea. This year 2009 is the 28th Remembrance Day. July 23rd is a unique day for Papua New Guinea as history state that on that day, Lt J A Chalk and his platoon of 35 men of Papua Infantry Battalion (PIB) waited in ambush for the advancing Japanese forces along the Kokoda Track, east of Awala in Central Orokaiva during World War 2.The enemies (the Japanese) were in greater number and firepower and advancing towards the PIB. On that day, Lt J A Chalk gave the historical order to open fire on the advancing Japanese forces. The order was the first of its kind given to the Papua Infantry Battalion soldiers to attack the enemy forces.

The PIB had fired their first shot in the defense of Papua New Guinea and so this day is celebrated to remember forefathers and allies who fought for the freedom of Papua New Guinea. Remembrance Day is also a day to remember soldiers who took part in the Bougainville Crisis as well as Papua New Guinea Defence Force involvement in Vanuata where a rebellion was stop paving way for Vanuatu’s eventual Independence.

The other two disciplined forces namely the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and Correctional Institute Services efforts in defending the integrity and unity of Papua New Guinea are remembered on this day. The pictures below show the celebration at Ela Beach, Port Moresby on 23rd July 2009 for the 28th Remembrance Day

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