Remembering Our Heros

An emotional Cynthia Latchman couldn’t hold back her tears as it was the first time she was able to honour her late father, James Latchman in Labasa.

Ms Latchman of Savusavu vividly recalls losing her father following a short illness 23 years ago when she was just three.

The 26-year-old said she would cherish yesterday’s Remembrance Day at the Sukanaivalu Army Barrack, Vaturekuka, Labasa.

“I was very young when my dad passed away in 1995 after serving, I think for 15 years,” Ms Latchman.

“I have little memories of him and could only wish he was beside me.”

The eldest of four siblings travelled from Savusavu to be part of the annual programme, saying that she wanted to join other families of fallen soldiers and share some emotional moments with them.

Like Ms Latchan, Meredani Sakealevu, 50, was emotional remembering her late husband, Maciu who passed away on September 10, 2021, due to coronavirus.

“Life has never been the same after his sudden passing away,” the mother of two children from Vunivau, Labasa said.

“While I am proud of his 30 years of service as a private solider, I dearly miss him.”

Meredani Sakealevu with a wreath to honour her late husband at Vaturekuka, Labasa. Photo: Shratika Naidu

The chief guest, Republic of the Fiji Military Forces Sukanaivalu Barracks officer in command Major Penasio Maumau assured the gathering that the fallen comrades will always be remembered for their sacrifice and dedication.

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