The Significance of Kokoda

The significance of Kokoda for Australian’s can be seen in many different ways. In a strategic sense and also in a symbolic sense. Firstly, the Kokoda Campaign saved Australia from possible invasion, or more precisely from being isolated from the United States of America . Secondly, Kokoda was the battle that lead to victory in the Second World War, as well as to improvement of Australia’s post-war practices and military operations. Symbolically, the Kokoda Track will be remembered when Australia’s think of the Second World War, just like when you think of the First World War, the landing at Gallipoli looms large, both have captured the Australian imagination. Each year five thousand Australians take up the mentally and physically challenging task of walking the Kokoda Track. Another symbolic reason why the Kokoda Track is significant is because it boasted our Australian pride. The battle was fought extremely well against all odds. The amazing feats performed by Australian soldiers lead to the growth of the Australian nation. Without the Kokoda victory, Australia would be much worse off than it is today. These key points demonstrate why Kokoda was the most significant battle fought by Australians in the Second World War.
The battle of Kokoda saved Australia from the threat of invasion, of if not, definitely from being isolated and possibly forced into surrender, just like the Fall of Singapore. At the time it was a genuine belief that Japan would invade Australia. Because Australia had already been threatened already, in multiple ways; through the bombing of Darwin, Broome and Townsville, as well as the Japanese penetration of Sydney Harbour. Australian citizens were extremely anxious for their safety. This is so because even if the Japanese had not invaded at the time of their Pacific Battles, Australian would still have been in constant danger, because Port Moresby was an extremely important tactical position because it had an airfield. Since it was so close