Kokoda Track: ‘Angels walking tall through the hell of war’
Anthony Albanese has thanked the villagers in Papua New Guinea who risked their lives to support Australian soldiers in need, calling them ‘angels walking tall through the hell of war’.
Anthony Albanese has thanked the villagers in Papua New Guinea who risked their lives to support Australian soldiers in need, calling them “ angels walking tall through the hell of war”.
Following the historic walk where he became the first sitting Australian Prime Minister to walk the Kokoda Track, Mr Albanese on Thursday morning joined PNG counterpart James Marape at the annual Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Isurava Memorial Site, where they honoured the 625 Australians killed on the Track.
“We gather today on ground made hallow by Australian sacrifice,” Mr Albanese said. “Where we now have the privilege of joining together in peace and liberty, Australian soldiers fought to hold back a relentless enemy.
“625 Australians were killed on the Kokoda Track. Of those, 99 fell in the Battle of Isurava and 111 more were wounded. And we remember and honour them this morning.”
Mr Albanese took the opportunity to thank those who helped Australians in their time of “desperate need”.
“We thank every one of them who helped Australians in the face of retribution and sometimes unfathomable cruelty,” he said. “The villagers who risked their lives to feed and guide and shelter Australians in desperate need. The stretcher bearers whose courage was matched only by their kindness.
“They were angels walking tall through the hell of war.”
Meanwhile, thousands gathered at Dawn Services across the country. In Sydney’s Martin Place, NSW Premier Chris Minns read out the poem “Salute” by Sydney Elliott Napier and laid a wreath.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek laid a wreath standing in for Mr Albanese.
“I think the best thing about the ceremony this morning is to see the number of people that come early in the morning,” Mr Minns said. “You have to get here at about 3am and it’s great to see so many families and kids as well.
“Times like today the community can come together and remember those who gave their lives for our country and it’s so nice to see it remain a solemn occasion.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley also attended the Sydney service.
Peter Dutton acknowledged Australians who “served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations throughout our history” as he paid his respects.
“We honour the memories of the more than 103,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the Opposition Leader posted to X.
“The Anzac spirit has helped us to prevail in war and prosper in peace. In these difficult times, let us know ourselves again.”
Veterans from peacekeeping operations led Melbourne’s Anzac Day march for the first time as Premier Jacinta Allan said we should “make every effort to promote peace”.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto, senator Jane Hume, and Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton joined Ms Allan at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, along with some 40,000 Victorians.
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