Michael Somare Remembrance Day is observed in Papua New Guinea every February 26 to honor the memory of Michael Somare, the country's first Prime Minister and a key figure in its journey to independence. Somare, born on April 9, 1936, in Rabaul, played a significant role in advocating for Papua New Guinea's independence from Australia, co-founding the Pangu Party in 1967 and serving multiple terms as Prime Minister. He is widely respected for his contributions to the nation and its culture, despite being a controversial figure. The day commemorates his death from pancreatic cancer on February 26, 2021, and was declared a national remembrance day by the government the following year. It is important to note that this observance should not be confused with Papua New Guinea’s National Remembrance Day, which takes place on July 23 to honor soldiers who died in service.