The Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment held their Infantry Day Formal dinner at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Friday 21, June 24, 2019. Chief Guest was the speaker of house Brigadier General (Ret’d) Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Notable figures present included Commander in Chief of the Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF) His Excellency the President of Fiji Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konousi Konrote, the Prime Minister of Fiji Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, the Minister of Defense Colonel Inia Seruiratu, Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Brigadier General (BRIG GEN) Iowane Naivalurua, the Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) BRIG GEN Sitiveni Qiliho, Flying Fijians Rugby lock forward Lieutenant Leone Nakarawa with all invited guests and serviceman/women of 3FIR.
The formal dinner protocol was formally opened by the marching on of the 3FIR colours inside the dinner area. As the colour party came to a halt, the regimental colours were dauntlessly hoisted amidst distinguished guests and 3rd Battalion members followed by the RFMF band playing the National Anthem as a mark of respect to the significant occasion. RFMF Padre Reverend Major Ilaitia Tuwere then blessed the function with a word of prayer. The Presiding Officer Major Aseri Rokoura delivered a citation on the event of June 23rd, 1944, at Mawaraka, Bougainville, in the Solomon Islands by the ultimate sacrifice of Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu.
As the five-course meal progressed, the RFMF band started their entertainment with captivating music and some popular local tunes to complement the importance of the event. The solemnity of the evening arose when the Chief Guest reminisced on the ultimate sacrifice by Cpl Sukanaivalu,
“This is a very rare occasion in the history of RFMF. You’re lucky to be dining with your Commander-In-Chief and do not ever forget this day. On June 23rd, 1944, at Mawaraka, Bougainville, in the Solomon Islands, Corporal Sefanaia Sukanaivalu crawled forward to rescue some men who had been wounded when their platoon was ambushed and some of the leading elements had become casualties. After two wounded men had been successfully recovered this NCO who was in command of the rear section volunteered to go on farther alone to try and rescue another one in spite of machine gun and mortar fire. On the way back, he was seriously wounded in the groin and thighs and fell to the ground, unable to move any farther. Several attempts were then made to rescue Corporal Sukanaivalu but without success owing to the heavy fire being encountered on each occasion and further casualties caused.
This gallant N.C.O. then called to his men not to try and get to him as he was in a very exposed position but they replied that they would never leave him to fall alive into the hands of the enemy.
Realizing that his men would not withdraw as long as they could see that he was still alive and knowing that they were themselves all in danger of being killed or captured as long as they remained where they were, Corporal Sukanaivalu, well aware of the consequences, raised himself up in front of the Japanese machine gun and was riddled with bullets. This is the ultimate sacrifice that has made the RFMF and the country proud for such distinctive bravery,” said Brig Gen Nailatikau.
Former Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion and now the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Major General Ioane Naivalurua was very happy with the formal set up of the dinner. “This has never been done in the 3rd Battalion, to have a formal dinner at a prominent hotel with the three piece dining suit and dining with the Commander in Chief HE the President Maj Gen Konrote. What I see today is the elevation of standard to another level,” he said.
Battalion morale was very high and everyone enjoyed the evening.
