Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has urged everyone to support the annual poppy appeal in honour of our ex-servicemen and women.
Ratu Inoke made this plea while officially launching the appeal at the Suva Civic Centre Lower Auditorium yesterday.
“Every year, we commemorate Remembrance Day to honour those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of world peace and the freedom we enjoy today,” Ratu Inoke said.
“The launching of this Poppy Appeal marks our continuing recognition of the priceless sacrifice made by the Fijian sons and daughters who served in the Fijian Armed Forces during the first and second World Wars, the Malayan Campaign and Christmas Island operations.”
During World War I, the red Poppy flower was one of the first plants that sprang up out of the devastated battlefields of France.
Soldiers’ folklore attributes the vivid red of the flower to the blood shed by comrades.
Ratu Inoke said the significance of the poppy flower symbolised courage and commitment showed by our fore fathers and was an integral part of Remembrance Day.
“It has become an international symbol whereby countries remember and honour their loved ones,” he said.
Returned Soldiers and Ex-Servicemen Association of Fiji president Ratu Peni Volavola said: The significance of the appeal is to keep reminding people of the sacrifices made by those who had gone on before us who served in peacekeeping duties.
Ratu Peni reiterated the importance of educating the younger generation on the significance of Remembrance Day and the efforts of our ex-servicemen and women.
“I want to ask Fiji, are we really remembering them? Because right after the function nobody remembers what they did,” he said.
“What are we doing in terms of recognition of the services of these people. We need to create more public awareness on this.”
Ratu Peni said all donations from the sale and poppy appeal will go towards their association which currently has over 2000 members.
Edited by Paula Tuvuki
Feedback :filipe.naigulevu@fijisun.com.fj
