July 23 is a national holiday in Papua New Guinea. It is a day that pays respects and commemorates those who have given their lives, both nationally as well as foreign, in the cause that is Independence. This day is called Remembrance Day.

This year, 2012, our family had the opportunity to spend it with a family we’ve had the privilege of befriending. We walked from our home to their home in the village of Onamuna. We ate together and saw their church and met additional members of their family. It was truly for us a day to Remember.