The 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) marked the 43rd Remembrance Day this morning with the annual Dawn Service at the Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby city attended by the soldiers, their families and some members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Service is to remember the soldiers that served and their sacrifices during the Second World War, including the Papua New Guinean soldiers of the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the Niugini Infantry Battalion who fought alongside the Allied troops, which marked a significant part in the country’s history. 1RPIR’s Commanding Officer (CO) and Area Commander, Lt Col (Leftenant Colonel) Ezron Dakaetavara, said today is a time to remember the service and sacrifices of these brave men, and those that have served in other conflicts that PNG was involved in like the Bougainville crisis from 1990 to 1997 and the Vanuatu Campaign in 1980. “On this day we remember with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship.” “We also remember allies that fought alongside them for our freedom during the campaign in Papua New Guinea during World War Two.” “We also remember and honour those who died or were wounded or missing in action in the tragedy of war." “We remember and honour them for what they have accomplished for our nation and have left us a splendid heritage,” said the CO. Lt Col Ezron Dakaetavara further said that the marking of the 43rd Remembrance Day was also significant because it also marks 82 years on since the first shots were fired by the Papuan Infantry Battalion in action against the Japanese in World War Two (WW2). The Dawn Service this morning saw the Guard Mounting done by members of Bravo Company, who proceeded to the parade grounds at 5am to commence the service witnessed by families and the service men and women of the 1RPIR. The service started off with a history of the members of the Papuan Infantry Battalion and their campaign in WW2, a hymn performed by students, a requiem, bible readings by two service men and the sermon delivered the Army Chaplin. This was later followed by the Tribute to Remembrance Day, Dedication to the Fallen, the Ode, the playing of the Last Post, the laying of wreaths, a minute of silence for the fallen, Lament, Reveille, and the National Anthem performed by students and the Final Blessing.