Al Davis , Kokoda (PEOPLE 2024)

During a recent trek along the Kokoda Trail, I witnessed a moment that bridged past and present. Descendants of the original WWII Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, some running barefoot through the jungle, were carrying an Australian Veteran on a jungle-made stretcher, just as their great-grandfathers had done during the Second World War. These men, who also carried our gear, displayed the same dedication and care their ancestors had shown. It was a powerful reminder of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ enduring legacy, whose efforts during the Battle of Kokoda continue to resonate deeply with Australians. Witnessing this act of strength and kindness was profoundly humbling. It embodied the values of Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice—reflecting the historical bond between Papua New Guineans and Australians, forged in one of the most challenging chapters of our shared history.

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