Vanimo observes Remembrance Day

Front left, Captain Eric Hawek, Officer Commanding Composite Coy (Support/Admin Coy) of PNGDF 2RPIR, and Second Lieutenant Perry Koninda. Back left is 2IC Lieutenant Morris Jared and Second Lieutenant Lus Caleb in front of Dali Beach Memorial Park, Vanimo this morning (NBC News)

The people of Vanimo Town and the surrounding villages, braved the early morning showers and gathered together to commemorate the country's 23rd Remembrance Day Dawn Service.

This morning's event was attended by the heads of the three disciplined forces led by PNGDF Forward Base Commander Captain Eric Hawek, Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Patrick Billy, and CS Commander Superintendent Michael Auirap.

Others who also attended included Indonesia's Consul General to PNG, Alexander Tankuman Imanuel, and the two West Sepik Deputy Administrators, Dickson Dale and Eric Sakin, plus staff of the Provincial Administration and the general public.

Mr. Sakin when speaking as the guest of honor on behalf of the Governor, urged teachers as well as parents to educate their children on the importance of the Remembrance Day, and its significance.

He said that the day marks an important event in the history of PNG, and also marks the achievements and losses our disciplined forces encountered during their line of duty.

The event ended with a breakfast at the PNGDF Forward Base in Vanimo.