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Dawn Service at the Bomana War Cemetry Port Moresby:
A report and photographs by Trevor Pryor
Is there a more perfect setting than the War Cemetery at Bomana for the ANZAC Day dawn service.
The PNGDF provided the ceremonial guard which marched into place at 0445 followed by the mounting of the Catafalque Party which included 3 ADF members (1 each from army, navy and air force) and 1 from the PNGDF.
Dignitaries were introduced, including: His Excellency General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor General Aust., His Excellency Mr. Bob Dadae, Governor General PNG.,Mr. Peter O’Neill, Prime Minister PNG. and The honourable Mr. Bill Shorten MP Australia.
Before the formal service commenced, a single headstone was illuminated and the MC gave a brief report on that soldier. This was followed by three others. It was moving that the first was Bruce Kingsbury and the third was George Pearce, both from the 2/14 Bn. Very moving also was the final headstone – one of the 700 which read, “A Soldier of the ’39 – ‘45 War, Known only to God.”
 Part of the crowd after the Bomana Service where the Australian Governor-General was guest speaker |
 Known unto God, Bomana |
As the service progressed, the encroaching light revealed the more than 6 000 headstones perfectly placed around the immaculately groomed grounds. The addresses were followed by a lengthy wreath laying ceremony during which both Aidan Grimes and I laid tributes. .
 Trevor Pryor lays a wreath. |
 (L to R) WO 2 Matthew Christophers (Commander of Catafalque Party) with Members Owen Turner who laid our Association Wreath and Aidan Grimes, Kokoda Track Leader |
The emotion continued for me as the estimated 3 500 crowd joined in singing the three beautiful anthems of PNG, Australia and New Zealand. It was briefly interrupted by a flyover of three MRH helicopters followed by two Super Hornets.
A wonderful service.
So, my visit to PNG was a sensational experience. I should add that Aiden Grimes attended after completing treks 107 and 108 during April.
We did remember them.
The March in Townsville
| Graham (Knobby) Carnes reported on a successful day. Not having an association presence in Townsville, Knobby marched with the NASHOS and proudly carried their banner. Following the march, the NASHOS put on a free sausage sizzle for members in a church hall because the RSL was so busy on ANZAC Day. |  (L) Graham Carnes carries the banner for the Nashos |
Sydney Remembers
 WO2 Jock Wilkinson (centre) supported by (L-R) John Morris, Sam and Peter Wilkinson, Peter Porteous |
The Association contingent in Sydney was led by the indefatigable WO2 Jock Wilkinson (PIB,NGIB) and ably supported by family members Peter and Sam. Other members marching included John Hain, John Morris, Peter Porteous and Wayne Bensley. |
ANZAC Day in Brisbane
Some of us began the day rising early to attend the 0430 hours Dawn Service at ANZAC square. It was a very solemn but moving service.
Later in the morning, prior to the march, the executive members of the Association (President Don Graham, Vice President Greg Ivey and Sec/Treasurer Kev Horton) conducted a short wreath laying service at the South West-Pacific memorial in the lawn area of ANZAC Square in the city.
 The executive and the wreath laid. |
 Greg Ivey at the South-West Pacific Memorial, ANZAC square. |
Later they were joined by other members of the association to march under our banner. They were placed significantly near the 39th Battalion and 2/14 Battalion Associations and the PNGVR contingent. This year the Historical contingent from The Southport School also marched in support of the 39th Battalion.
 On the march. Great crowds. President Don leads. |
 Supporting Students from The Southport School. |
Following the march, the group had a photo shot and quick refreshment of ANZAC biscuits – a thoughtful gesture for which we must give thanks to Maree, daughter of our founding president, Frank Wust. Maree not only made fine biscuits but she and brother Noel were the Association banner carriers. Their participation each year is much appreciated and a great tribute to their father. Without their help our numbers would appear even thinner.
 Proud Banner carriers |  Mmmm! ANZAC biscuits! |
ANZAC day of course is also about the getting together to share old times and Service frienships. The members and partners enjoyed a great meal and the camaraderie flowed into the mid afternoon.
 A lunch to remember |
 President Don narrowly misses the rough end of the pineapple. |
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
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