HUNDREDS gathered at the Flea Market in Suva today for the 40th Anniversary of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) parade that culminated at the Albert Park in Suva.
The anniversary gathered present and ex-servicemen who had represented Fiji in peacekeeping missions in the Middle-East along with their families.
President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote said Fijians must reflect on the two main themes of the 40th anniversary of UNIFIL.
“I ask this morning that we reflect on the two closely related themes that have commended this commemorative event,” Mr Konrote said in his opening address.
“To celebrate both the contribution of peacekeepers to international peace and security and the contribution of peacekeeping in nation-building.”
Mr Konrote said as a nation, “we have identified the importance of the legacy of peacekeeping because it reflects the values that bind us”.
The week-long celebrations will end with a reception hosted by the President and the First Lady, Sarote Konrote, at the Boron House later this evening.
