Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Inoke Luveni dedicated the 50th independence anniversary medal to his late wife and former Parliament Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni.
“I miss her dearly and I only wished she was here today (Tuesday),” Mr Luveni said.
“We were both successful in our careers because of the immense support we had for each other.
“This morning I brought my granddaughter along with me, she is named after my late wife.”
A devoted wife, he said Dr Luveni stood by his side during challenging times in his career in the Fiji Navy and government.
The couple were married for more than 30 years and have five children. Dr Luveni died on December 22, 2018, aged 72.
Originally from Ono-i-Lau, Mr Luveni was among the 31 recipients who received the medal from President Jioji Konrote at the State House yesterday.
He said the medal ceremony brought back memories of October 10, 1970.
“I was very emotional because there are only few of us left like Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, we were among the group of military personnel 50 years ago who had the privilege to participate at Albert Park on Independence Day.”
Mr Luveni said it was a very emotional moment when Prince Charles handed over the instruments of independence to the chief minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara at Albert Park in Suva.
