“LEST WE FORGET”: Fiji Remembers the Fallen

November the 11th marks a special day around the world as members of various armed forces gather to commemorate the lives of those who had fallen while on the line of duty. The day signifies the ceasefire and the end of world war one (WW1); on the 11^th day of the 11^th month and of the 11^th hour.

The November 11 remembrance day in Fiji began with a Dawn Service at the Suva Military Cemetery where the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) conducted a wreath-laying ceremony and the tuning of the last post. Present at the morning event was the Minister of Defence and National Security Honorable Inia Seruiratu, the Commander RFMF Rear-Admiral Viliame Naupoto, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Biu Matavou, Commissioner of Correction Services Francis Kean, members of the Fiji ex-servicemen association, military attaches from the respective embassies in Fiji and senior officers from the RFMF.

The reading of the Binyon’s lines was read at the dawn service by retired Lieutenant-Commander (Ret’d) Vakararawa before the laying of the wreaths.

The event was then followed by another wreath-laying ceremony at the Stanley Brown Naval base in Suva before a march through town by veterans and soldiers of the RFMF.

His-Excellency the President of Fiji Major-General (Retired) Jioji Konrote officiated the last event of the day at the National War Memorial Site in Nasese where a moment of silence was observed followed by the laying of wreaths by His Excellency, members of the diplomatic corp, ex-servicemen representatives and members of the forces.

Members of the public were also present to witness the distinctive event and were also given a chance to lay their wreaths and tour the Memorial site.