British Army Veteran Never Misses Fiji Day Celebration
“I’ve always loved Fiji Day because it is a great day to remember the day when Fiji was once under the British Empire, especially after serving in the British Army, it is indeed a great day,” he said.
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | 08:29
From left: Romanu Naceva, 84,and wife Kesaia Lolou with their Fiji flags, ready for the celebrations to begin. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
British Armed Forces veteran Romanu Naceva has never missed a Fiji Day celebration, since his retirement 39 years ago.
Yesterday, Mr Naceva, 84, and his wife Kesaia Lolou were up early to be part of the celebration at Albert Park in Suva.
It is always a sentimental moment for Mr Naceva as he remembers the close ties that remained between the British Empire and Fiji, even after independence.
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“I’ve always loved Fiji Day because it is a great day to remember the day when Fiji was once under the British Empire, especially after serving in the British Army, it is indeed a great day,” he said.
“When we parted, we parted well. Some removed the Union Jack flag and severed ties with the British Empire, but we maintained it.”
Mr Naceva left Fiji in 1961 to join the British Army when he was only 21 years old.
“After 22 years in the British Army, I came back to Fiji, got married and had six children,” he said.
Mr Naceva said all his six children residing overseas, following in his footsteps.
“With all my children serving in the British Army, I live with my wife in Nakasi,” he said.
As they watched the marching band and sang the Fijian national anthem, Mr Naceva encouraged the younger generation to always value the rich history of Fiji.
“Never forget the history of this beloved nation because, they are what binds us,” he said.
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