29/07/2019
FREE
West Papuans fighting alongside Australian troops in World War II. 'They helped us in our time of need. It is only right to help them in theirs.'
ANZAC Day message from West Papuan Independence Leader Benny Wenda: Full: www.freewestpapua.org/go/3836
Today, we remember those who have fallen.
During the Second World War, soldiers from Australia fought alongside soldiers from West Papua and Papua New Guinea in the New Guinea Campaign to keep Australia free from Japanese invasion. We must never forget the incredible sacrifice and honour of all those who fought and died together.
Last year, I had the privilege of meeting with James Burrowes, an Australian Second World War veteran. His story of fighting alongside my people and his comradeship with his West Papuan friends was truly moving and he later wrote an open letter to the people of West Papua, together with his son Robert. James ended the letter in true solidarity, saying,
“I sincerely wish you the very best of success in your long-term struggle for independence. You helped us to preserve the independence of Australia from Japan.”
The freedom that you enjoy today was fought for by our ancestors together. We hope and pray that both in Australia and New Zealand, people will remember this incredible service to keep our region free. We hope and pray that people will do what they can to help West Papua so that we can enjoy the same freedom too.