His Excellency Bishop Justin Ain Soongie and Minister Matt Keogh Lead Wreath-Laying at Restored Memorial Pond

A significant moment of remembrance took place at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, 26 April, when His Excellency Bishop Justin Ain Soongie, Bishop of the Diocese of Wabag and the Hon Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel jointly laid a wreath at the recently restored Memorial Pond.

Hon Matt Keogh MP, His Excellency Bishop Justin Ain Soongie and the Chairman of St. Mary's Cathedral before the laying of the wreaths.

Minister Keogh was in Papua New Guinea to walk the Kokoda Track as part of ANZAC Day commemorations. As a devout Catholic, he had already planned to attend Mass at the Cathedral, unaware at the time of the invitation extended to the Australian Defence Force to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony.

The invitation followed the recent restoration of the Memorial Pond, creating an opportunity to revive a long-overlooked place of remembrance. The timing of the Minister’s visit and his attendance at Mass aligned unexpectedly with this initiative, allowing for his participation in the ceremony alongside Bishop Justin.

The Memorial Pond was erected by the 3rd Infantry Battalion Association in honour of soldiers who lost their lives along the Kokoda Track during the Second World War. It stands within the Cathedral grounds as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Pond

For many years, the site had not been the focus of ANZAC Day observances. In earlier times, when the day was marked as a public holiday in Papua New Guinea, commemorations included a parade at Ela Beach, concluding at the Ela Beach memorial before people proceeded to the Cathedral. Over time, this practice faded, and it is believed that more than 25 years had passed since a wreath was last laid at the pond.

The joint act of remembrance by Bishop Justin and Minister Keogh marked a renewed recognition of the Memorial Pond, reconnecting it with the spirit of ANZAC Day and honouring those who served and died along the Kokoda Track.