America's 246 years of Independence commemorated in PNG

. By Naomi Takoma : FM 100 

On this day 246 years ago, America gained its Independence, and for Papua New Guinea through shared values and common interest, our history or relationship with America dates back to World War Two.

Picture: American Independence celebrations at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby

The leader of the US Embassy to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Chargé d'Affaires Joe Zadrozny made these remarks last week Friday (1st July) during the cocktail reception at the Hilton hotel in Port Moresby.

Chargé d'Affaires Joe Zadrozny recalled WW2 as the biggest and deadliest war in history, and a turning point for American history.

He further stated that the people of PNG displayed remarkable courage in the war with indescribable kindness and compassion to the American troops who were stationed in PNG.

“While we usually talk about the US-Papua New Guinea relationship dating back to WW2, in fact there is another important event that links the two countries together,” he said.

“85 years ago on the 2nd of July an American pilot Amelia Earhart took off from Lae on the last leg of her journey around the world.”

“Unfortunately, Lae was the last place that they know she took off and she and her navigator were never heard from again.”

“She stands out as a great American pioneer in aviation and a strong voice for equal rights and empowerment for women.”

In memory of Amelia Earhart, University of Papua New Guinea, US-Embassy and tribal foundation will build a memorial in her honor. 

To strengthen the US-PNG relationship, Mr Zadrozny officially launched the American Chamber of Commerce Coral Sea (AmCham).

"AmCham will unify the voice of the private sector for coordinated, positive change in PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Chairman and Managing Director for ExxonMobil in Papua New Guinea Peter Larden will serve as president of the American Chamber of Commerce Coral Sea.

On behalf of the government and the people of PNG, Secretary Koney Samuel thanked Chargé d'Affaires Joe Zadrozny for the invitation and congratulated the government and the people of America on their 246th celebration of Independence.

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