Wewak : An Emotion Welcome for late Grand Chief

Emotional scenes yesterday in East Sepik's capital Wewak, as thousands of mourners, received the body of the late Sir Michael Somare.

The body touched down at Boram Airport at 8 past 3 yesterday afternoon onboard the Royal Australian Airforce C-27 aircraft to a traditional washdown.

Wewak : An Emotion Welcome for late Grand Chief . Photo credit NBC news

Shortly after, wife Lady Veronica and the Somare family, including Prime Minister James Marape and other invited guests, arrived on a chartered Q400 Air Niugini aircraft.

A full guard of honour and military parade was carried out by the PNG Defence Force's Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment before the casket was blessed by the force's chaplain.

A traditional ritual ceremony by Sir Michael's people of Karau Village in the Murik Lakes was also conducted at the airport.

The PNG Defence Force then led the motorcade to the Sir Michael Somare Stadium.

Thousands of mourners, including school children, lined the streets of Wewak town dressed in black waving the PNG flag and throwing flowers at the casket.

Wewak town is seeing an influx of people, as thousands travel in to witness Sir Michael's burial tomorrow.

NBC News / PNG Today

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