Remembrance Day is an opportunity for ex-servicemen to not only honour their fallen comrades but gather and reminisce their years of service with each other.
One such proud ex-police man Niko Rabuku, who served four tours in Kosovo, Middle East, East-Timor and Africa, said while Remembrance Day was dedicated for fallen comrades, it was also an opportunity for ex-service men to rekindle bonds.
“It is a special day for us, especially comrades to come and enjoy our comradeship and meet one another and share our experiences and knowledge, especially in our last days because we don’t know if we will be here again next year,” he said.
Mr Rabuku also shared his experience while on duty and stressed the importance of humanity as a key to peace in the world.
He said he noted that in war-torn countries, humanity seems to be lost amid divisive ideological differences.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander, Major General Jone Kaloniwai said Remembrance Day is an annual event that commemorates the lives of ex-servicemen and women who have passed on, dating back to World War II.
He said the country commemorates the sacrifice and dedication of the former servicemen and women on November 11.
Remembrance Day in Suva started with a dawn service at the Commonwealth Military cemetery, where Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and senior members of the RFMF, police, navy, corrections, and military attachés from other countries in Fiji laid wreaths to honor fallen heroes.
A memorial service was then held at the National War Memorial in Nasese where President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, acting Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad and members of the diplomatic corp laid wreaths to honour the fallen soldiers.
A gun salute, followed by a two-minute silence, was observed at 11am.
