By Parker McKenzie
A Kokoda Day Service was held on Monday 8 August at One Tree Hill Picnic Ground in Tremont, commemorating the sacrifice and service of the members of the 39th Battalion on the 80th anniversary of the re-occupation of Kokoda Village.
Organised by the 39th Battalion Association at the Kokoda Memorial, the yearly service opened with an Acknowledgement to Country and a welcome by life member of the association Alfred Mallia.
“I think we can all agree the gods have put on good weather today,” he said.
“Generally when we are here it’s raining, it’s wet and it’s very cold.”
Mary Holloway, whose father is a veteran of the Kokoda Campaign with the 39th Battalion, read a prayer written by her father for the 75th anniversary of Kokoda Day.
“We particularly remember those members of service units who pay the supreme sacrifice in the war in Papua New Guinea from 1942 to 1943,” she said.
“May all who visit this beautiful memorial recall their sacrifice and offer heartfelt thanksgiving and so dedicate themselves to those same ideals.”
The 39th Batallion consisted of mainly 18 and 19-year-old militia volunteers, who after two months of training traveled to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea to counter an anticipated Japanese attack. Across the Kokoda Trail, members fought the Japanese armed forces from the 21st of July until the 1st of September 1942.
Casey MP Aaron Violi spoke next and gave his congratulations and thanks to Mr Mallia and the volunteers who helped run the service.
“We should always remember that it was the bravery and sacrifice of these young men who played a crucial role in holding that day,” he said.
“The whole of Australia is indebted to the bravery and courage showed by your loved ones so that Australia could be the free democracy it is today.”
Ms Holloway said 8 August is an important day in the story of the 39th Battalion.
“My father was a veteran of the 39th Battalion. He was a part of the company at this very time as we hold this service of remembrance today,” she said.
“The battle of Kokoda began 80 years ago today on 8 August 1942, a company succeeded in re-occupying Kokoda, where they fought a series of fierce day and night until nightfall on 10 August.
“Whenever I recall their feats of courage and adversity my heart swells with pride and tears in my eyes. I’m so proud that I am the daughter of the 39th Battalion veteran.”
Sargeant Luke Schroder from Victoria Police read the names of the 22 members of the Battalion who fought at Kokoda and paid the ultimate sacrifice, followed by a laying of the wreaths by Mr Violi, Mary Holloway and Glen Read on behalf of veterans, children from Belgrave South Primary on behalf of all children, Deb Manders on behalf of trekkers and Sgt Schroder and Mathew Hoogland from Parks Victoria on behalf of emergency services.
Mr Read, a veteran of the Vietnam War, read the Ode to the Fallen while the 39th Batallion’s Darcy Manks played the last post.
After a minute of silence was observed, the students from Belgrave South sang the national anthem to conclude the service, with Mr Mallia thanking Parks Victoria for their support.
“Any request, without hesitation Parks Victoria will come to our aid,” he said.
“I know the veterans are always grateful but I can tell you the families are just as grateful and we thank you.”
