‘It’s never easy,’ says widow remembering late soldier

Sixty-two-year-old Sereana Turaganivalu from Lutu, Wainibuku, Naitasiri, stood solemnly as the Last Post played — remembering her late husband, Waisale Turaganivalu, who served under the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai and passed away in 2011.

“It’s been 12 years since the incident, and being here isn’t easy for me,” she shared softly.

Ms Turaganivalu attended the 106th Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National War Memorial in Nasese yesterday, which brought together many to honour the men and women who served and sacrificed their lives in duty.

Her husband lost his life when his vehicle overturned during a mission, leaving behind Sereana and their two daughters — one who had just started working and the other then in Year 11.

“It wasn’t easy for us to accept when he was gone,” she recalled.

Ms Turaganivalu said her late husband often spoke about the risks of his duty, preparing his family for the possibility of his loss.

“When he was still alive, he always told us, ‘Expect the news to come of my passing when you see soldiers coming home with the pastor, that’s how you’ll know. And I want you to accept it.’”

He was in his 40s at the time of his passing.

Though reluctant to attend the remembrance each year, Ms Turaganivalu said her daughters encouraged her to come and honour his memory.

She admitted she was glad she came to witness the event and to see the love and respect still shown for those who served.

“Those that are in service, do not give up,” she said. “Always let God guide you in your path.”

Her words echoed the spirit of the day, to be a person of courage, sacrifice, and faith as Fiji paused to remember those who gave their all in service of peace.