A new chapter in international friendship was written this week as the Village of Poplar, Wisconsin, and the City of Madang in Papua New Guinea, officially signed a sister city agreement.
The partnership, founded on shared World War II history, aims to foster long-term cultural, educational, and community exchange.
The agreement was signed by Poplar Village Board Member Kory Gilderman and Madang Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi during a formal ceremony in Madang. It sets the stage for a broad collaboration between the two communities, including student exchanges, cultural programs, and veteran-led initiatives.
“This agreement is a way to recognize the history we share and to build something new from it,” said Gilderman.
“We’re excited to learn from each other, build connections between our schools and residents, and honor the legacy of Major Bong and the many Papua New Guineans who supported Allied forces during the war.”
The connection between Poplar and Madang dates back to World War II through Poplar native Major Richard Bong, the United States’ top fighter ace. Bong flew dozens of missions over Papua New Guinea, including operations near Madang.
Interest in rekindling ties grew after a 2024 expedition funded by the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center and the nonprofit Pacific Wrecks located Bong’s P-38 Lightning aircraft—nicknamed Marge—which crash-landed in the jungle near Madang in 1944.
Gilderman’s own grandfather, Robert G. Brown, served in Madang during the war, helping to construct the same airstrips used by Major Bong. These personal and historical ties have added depth to the sister city relationship.
During their visit, the Poplar delegation toured local schools—including Divine Word University—and participated in cultural activities. The visit highlighted mutual interest in learning and cooperation between the people of northern Wisconsin and Papua New Guinea.
“This represents a unique moment in our history of sister city relationships,” said Aloi. “We are at the authentic beginning of this journey. We thank our friends in Poplar for this opportunity to build a foundation for our community’s progress.”
The Poplar-Madang agreement is part of a broader U.S. initiative to build people-to-people connections in the Pacific. On Friday, July 11th, a separate sister city agreement will be signed between Long Beach, California, and Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby. Both delegations are supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“Today we witness an intersection of friendship through a shared history,” said Carlo Capua, Board Chair of Sister Cities International. “What started as an accident during a world war has resulted in a foundation for peace.”
The agreements are part of the “7 for 70” initiative launched in 2023, which seeks to establish seven U.S.-Pacific Island sister city partnerships by 2026 in celebration of Sister Cities International’s 70th anniversary. The effort also coincides with Papua New Guinea’s upcoming 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, making these partnerships especially meaningful.