Apart from the usual band display the Republic of Fiji Military Forces band (RFMF) is celebrating its 100th year anniversary with a difference in the North.

The band has been carrying out community work in Labasa, spending yesterday at the Senior Citizen Home and the School for Special Education.

Labasa School for Special Education headteacher Mukesh Chand said it was a special start of a new school term as the teachers and students were treated to live entertainment by part of the by the band.

“While some entertained, the rest did carried out plumbing works, cleaning the buildings, clearing the flower gardens and cutting grass around our compound,” Mr Chand said.

“While they were doing these the students were excited as they also had the opportunity to communicate with the soldiers,” he said.

“They were excited; so too was everyone else as this was the first time ever for the RFMF band to be performing in our school.”

Military officer Major Lepani Damuni said it was important to treat such group of people equally as they were also part of our community.

“Most of the times we tend to forget them,” Major Damuni said.

“We have therefore, decided to celebrate this centennial celebration with them in a different way,” he said.

According to Major Damuni a group of army engineers carried out maintenance work at the Labasa Senior Citizens.

“We have involved everyone from the Force to take part in our programme as we fall under the same Republic of Fiji Military Forces banner,” he said.

The band departs for Suva tomorrow morning before heading down to the West next month, then to the Eastern division in October for the same celebration