Men And Women In Uniform Urged To Be Loyal
Be loyal, vigilant and do all you can to uphold and safeguard the high standards of your proud predecessors.
This was the message to the men and women serving in the Fiji Police Force, Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Fiji Corrections Service by Divisional Commissioner Western, Apolosi Lewaqai on Friday.
Mr Lewaqai officiated at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Retired Servicemen’s League (RSL) hall in Lautoka.
The ceremony was attended by personnel from Fiji Police Force, the RFMF and FCS, ex-servicemen, family members of former ex-servicemen who have passed on, including Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Tavaiqia.
In his address, Mr Lewaqai said the occasion was to pay tribute to the lives of those veterans and servicemen and women, policemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation.
He said it was also a day for reflection, thanksgiving and appreciation.
“To reflect on our individual courage and commitment to ensure that the values we uphold and share today, will not be threatened and will endure for our future generations,” he said.
“It is also a day to reflect on the lessons learnt from past wars and conflicts to ensure we don’t go down that path again.
“Many of us, not only in Fiji, but throughout the world, have taken for granted the peace, freedom and security that we enjoy today.”
He said it was also a day to remember all Fijian servicemen and women including policemen and women who served in the United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad since Fiji’s first batch of troops traveled for service in Lebanon in 1978.
“We cannot forget our brave soldiers who fought in the great wars of 1914 and 1918 and in the Pacific wars and the Malayan campaign from 1952 to 1956, we salute them today for their courage and supreme sacrifice,” he said.
Ex-servicemen and Lomolomo Village headman, Jolame Nailaruwai said it was a special occasion he looked forward to every year.
Mr Nailaruwai served in the RFMF for 27 years.
“This is always one occasion that all ex-servicemen look forward to where we gather to remember those who have fought for our country,” he said.
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
