Fiji honours fallen heroes

Families, veterans, and government officials gathered at the National War Memorial in Nasese to honour Fijians who made the ultimate sacrifice in wars and peacekeeping missions abroad, observing a moment of silence and laying wreaths in remembrance.

Tuesday 11 November 2025 | 22:00

Talei Roko

Multimedia Journalist

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, Commander RFMF Ro Jone Kalouniwai and Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau during the Remembrance Day at National War Memorial at Nasese on November 11, 2025.

Photo: Ronald Kumar

The 106th Remembrance Day yesterday morning at the National War Memorial at Battery Road, Nasese, was an emotional one.

Many in our communities have family connections to service with war veterans and ex-servicemen who turned up in numbers to observing their deep personal relationships and memories shaped by conflict and sacrifice.

The annual ceremony is held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month; the moment historically recognised as the end of World War 1 and now observed globally since 1919 reflecting courage and sacrifice.

The ceremony was attended by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya, Minister Defence and Veteran Services Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua and senior Government members.

Also gracing the event was former President Epeli Nailatikau, Ex-Servicemen, senior officers of the Fiji Police Force and RFMF, members of the Diplomatic Corps and non-government organisations with civil-society organisations and families of the fallen heroes of the nation.

Permanent secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mason Smith, says the Remembrance Day commemoration is a solemn occasion to honour the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for peace.

“No words can express the extent of their loss, but every year we will remember their sacrifice and honour their service,” Mr Smith said.

Attendees after observing a moment of silence, laid wreaths, and listened to the sound of the Last Post, creating a solemn atmosphere of reflection and gratitude.

Those present paid tribute to loved ones who served World War I and II, various missions abroad including peacekeeping operations in the Middle East in Sinai, Lebanon, Golan Heights, East Timor, Solomon Islands and other conflict zones.

Celebrations were also observed at the old capital town of Levuka and other parts of Fiji.

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