The battlesite of Isurava was rediscovered by Major Charlie Lynn on a mapping expedition in 1996. The village had been moved from its wartime location further down the Trail towards Kokoda. As a result, the route had been diverted around it and the site itself had been reclaimed by the surrounding jungle. The site was verified when Charlie led a delegation of veterans who fought in the battle back for a ‘last parade’ in 1998.
The Australian Government then commissioned a heritage architect, Michael Pender of HPA Projects, to design and build a commemorative memorial which was officially opened by Prime Minister John Howard and PNGs Grand Chief and Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, on 26 August 2002 – the 60th anniversary of the battle.
Since then the memorial has taken on the significance of a shrine dominated by four granite pillars engraved with the words ‘Courage – Mateship – Sacrifice -Endurance.’ It is now a place for quiet contemplation and reflection on the meaning of each one.
Adventure Kokoda trek leaders provide a detailed briefing on the battle and conduct a solemn Dawn Service for each of their treks according to the following format:
HPA
