The residents and the New Ireland community in the nation’s capital Port Moresby city bid their final farewells to the ‘Last Man Standing’, the Late Governor Rt Hon. Chief Sir Julius Chan, as the casket containing his body arrived at the APEC Terminal at 11:17am after the Lay in State at parliament.
Upon arrival at the APEC Terminal, his casket was taken straight to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J aircraft, where some members of his family and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) who will provide a ceremonial detail during Sir Julius’s final journey boarded the flight.
The family, dignitaries and relatives all boarded the two first charter flights that took off at the same time along with the Royal Australian Air Force plane.
The Royal Australian Air Force was given the last farewell water salute wash down before the plane took off at 12:34pm, bound for New Ireland Province where he will be laid to rest.
Earlier during the day, fellow colleagues of the Late Sir Julius Chan paid respect to him at the National Parliament Grand hall, a solemn moment for the leaders who have just lost a very senior politician. PM James Marape in his tribute speech acknowledged the massive contribution Late Sir Julius made to the country 50 years ago, saying he served the country with loyalty and distinction.