Lavenia Volaukitoga, 62, has dedicated the last 30 years to honoring the memory of her late husband, a fallen soldier, by faithfully attending Remembrance Day ceremonies. Accompanied by her granddaughter, she paid her respects at the National War Memorial Grounds in Veiuto, Suva.
Her husband was tragically killed on June 4, 1994, when he was shot down by Hezbollah while serving in Lebanon. Reflecting on her 30 years of loss, Volaukitoga spoke about her strength, crediting her faith in God for helping her cope with the pain of losing her partner. Raising their five children as a single mother without financial assistance from the military presented significant challenges.
“I raised my kids in Bua for 10 years as a market vendor; the income was never enough,” she shared. However, a turning point came in 2006 when she was offered a position as a cleaner at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva, where she worked until 2016. Now, she focuses on caring for her grandchildren, including Wakesa Raiwa, who is preparing for her first Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examination.
Wakesa expressed her pride in her grandfather’s legacy: “I may not have seen my grandfather, but I know he was a great man, giving his all to protect my family and our nation.” She also shared her ambition of becoming the President one day, indicating a hopeful future filled with dreams and aspirations supported by her family.
Among those honoring their loved ones was Susana Veretawatini, 59, who has made the journey from Naisomua, Vugalei, Tailevu, every year since the death of her husband, Corporal Lui Veretawatini, who was killed in Sinai in 2008. She spoke emotionally about the memories they shared and the resilience she found after his passing, highlighting her son’s enlistment in the military and the hope she held for her family.
The heartfelt testimonies from Lavenia and Susana illustrate not only personal loss but also a communal spirit of remembrance and resilience. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, highlighting the importance of honoring and remembering these contributions.
This Remembrance Day, while filled with sadness for the past, also reflects strength in the families’ hopes for the future, as they continue to support one another through their shared memories and collective dreams.
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