A CHAPTER of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces’ dark history closed yesterday with the end of the almost year long Reconciliation and Restoration program within the institution.
The end of the program was commemorated on the 24th anniversary of the attempted mutiny of the QEB in Nabua where the families of the eight soldiers that were killed echoed similar sentiments of relief and a turning of a new leaf for the military.
Salanieta Veilewai, the wife of the late Pte Temo Veilewai, praised the RFMF’s efforts to execute the program, saying it relieved the family from the pain and sorrow they were carrying for 24 years.
“I would like to extend our appreciation for the tremendous effort made towards the families,” she said.
“Thank you, RFMF, for constantly remembering us, whose heads of families were lost during the events.
“For me personally, I was very happy and relieved when the program first started because it has been a long time coming and we are grateful.”
Litiana Davui, wife of the late Jone Davui, shared the month of November has always been an unforgettable month for her and their four children.
“I would like to apologise on behalf of the Davui family if there was anything that my late husband was a part of, and I forgive those involved in his loss,” she said.
The late Lance Corporal Simione Rawaileba’s son Mulase Rawaileba said he bearly remembers his father.
However, the soldier said he noticed the grief the rest of the older relatives were carrying with them, and after yesterday’s event, was reassured the RFMF was moving in the right direction.
“The only memory of my father that I remember is of him picking me up from kindergarten,” he said.
“I was just four years old, and I can barely remember anything else.
“A new chapter has begun as a great deal of pain was relieved.”
