This week is an important one for us as a nation. On Wednesday, November 2, is a day where we should reflect on the events of the 2000 attempted mutiny by rebel soldiers at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.

These rebel soldiers were influenced by corrupted politicians and failed businessmen who were the very people behind the May 19, 2000 attempted civilian coup that was led by George Speight.

Although 16 years, has almost passed, but we should not forget these brave soldiers who had lost their lives in the line of duty. Sadly, over the years, very little has been said about them and how they had lost their lives- unarmed, defenceless and shot in cold blood. Murdered because they stood up against evil.

Although they are no longer with us today, but the stand they had taken along with their comrades at the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), has made our nation what it is today.

These brave men and women of the RFMF led by our Prime Minister who then was the RFMF Commander, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Voreqe Bainimarama, had stood for the restoration of the rule of law in our beloved nation, when it went through one of its darkest hours in history.

Their act of bravery saved the leadership position of our country from going into the wrong hands.

From the time of their deaths in November, 2000, the RFMF always holds a Remembrance Parade every year.

This is where soldiers are reminded not to forget their fallen comrades, their role to protect the  country, fight against racism and the need to maintain peace.

The sacrifice they have made is not only for themselves or the RFMF but for us as well.

As a nation, it’s time for us to join the RFMF on every November 2, to honour them and commit ourselves to the very principles the institution had set in ensuring peace and the progress of our beloved Fiji.

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