A significant chapter in the history of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) concluded recently with the completion of a year-long Reconciliation and Restoration program. This milestone came on the 24th anniversary of the attempted mutiny at the QEB in Nabua. The day was marked by reflections from the families of the eight soldiers who lost their lives during the tumultuous events, expressing feelings of relief and hope for a renewed future for the military.
Salanieta Veilewai, the widow of the late Private Temo Veilewai, praised the RFMF for its efforts in facilitating the program, emphasizing that it has provided her family with healing after enduring years of pain and sorrow. She expressed gratitude for the support extended by the military to those affected by the loss of their loved ones.
Litiana Davui, whose husband Jone Davui was also a casualty, remarked on the emotional weight that November carries for her family, but expressed a desire for forgiveness towards those involved in the tragic events surrounding her husband’s death. She reiterated the importance of this reconciliation process.
Similarly, Mulase Rawaileba, the son of the late Lance Corporal Simione Rawaileba, shared how he barely remembers his father, but he felt the burden of grief that older relatives have carried over the years. Following the event, he expressed hope that the RFMF is taking steps in the right direction towards healing.
This reconciliation initiative not only serves to acknowledge past injustices but also creates pathways for healing and understanding in the military community. As the RFMF closes this distressing chapter in its history, the commitment to remember those lost and support their families signals a hopeful step towards a more unified future.
In conclusion, this program reflects the potential for reconciliation and healing within institutions, highlighting the importance of addressing historical grievances as a means to foster peace and progress.
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