Kokoda Day 2024
PUBLISHED November 2024
View images from our 2024 Kokoda Day service.
On Sunday 3 November 2024 we commemorated the 82nd anniversary of Kokoda Day, remembering the raising of the Australian flag over the village of Kokoda on 3 November 1942. Over 450 people attended the service.
In particular we recognised (through our visual reflection) the invaluable assistance and sacrifices of the New Guinea native carriers, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, as Australian troops came to know them. Their logistical support was critical in ensuring the defeat of the Imperial Japanese Army on the Kokoda Track, and hundreds more Australian soldiers would have died of their wounds and illnesses if the Fuzzy Wuzzies hadn’t carried them off the Track to receive medical attention.
Three WWII veterans took part in our service: Bruce Robertson (104), Reg Chard (101) and David Trist (100).
Before the service began Canada Bay Mayor Michael Megna, Federal MP Luke Gosling and NSW Veterans Minister David Harris MP unveiled a plaque recalling the heroism of Pte Bruce Kingsbury VC, killed in August 1942 during the Battle of Isurava. Pte Kingsbury charged with a Bren gun into a large group of Japanese, clearing the way for his comrades. His Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously. You can read the citation for his VC here.
Music was provided by our musical partners, the Strathfield North Public School choir and the NSW Corrective Services band. Several local high schools were represented and took part in the wreath laying ceremony, as did many RSL sub-branch representatives. We also welcomed our little friends from the Concord West Rhodes Preschool who provided the Welcome to Country.
A special feature of this year’s service were the spectacular carpets of poppies in the Bruce Kingsbury VC Garden, and in the Memorial Centrepiece. The poppies were individually crocheted by many war widows across the state, and were a talking point for those attending. We thank all those special ladies who made the poppies!
See a selection of images from the service here.
Lest We Forget.
