Retired sergeant, Saula Rai­yawa, was among the first batch of Fijian serviceman of then Royal (Now Republic) Fiji Military Forces, to be sent on peacekeeping duties overseas.

It was his understanding of the morse code that made him travel regularly for peacekeeping duties starting in 1978.

The next 30 years of his service was spent in the United Nations peacekeeping missions in other parts of the world.

“I’ve travelled to Ethiopia and other parts of the world,” the 71-year-old said.

Retired sergeant, Saula Raiyawa at the National War Memorial Site in Veiuto on November 11, 2022. Photo: Josefa Babitu

“My specialty was in communica­tions that I learned from military school,” said the Vanuavatu, Lau native.

“At the time, there was also tele­type, but I think it no longer exists today because of the latest tech­nologies.”

Mr Raiwaya stands proud be­cause he knows his sacrifices along with other retired soldiers have improved the force.

Mr Raiyawa said many other sol­diers who were in his 1973 lot have died and yesterday was his day to remember their sacrifices.

“Going to war and keeping peace was our work. We loved it because we knew we were saving lives,” he said.

“Soldiers nowadays should al­ways bear in mind that this work is not for the faint-hearted. It re­quires dedication.

“My advice to young soldiers it is to have the drive to become better every day, learn from your mis­takes and move on.”

He was among hundreds of re­tired and current soldiers includ­ing the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, who took the day out to honour heroes at the

National War Memorial Site in Veiuto.

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