For over three decades, Lavenia Volaukitoga, now 62, has honored the memory of her late husband every Remembrance Day. Accompanied by her granddaughter, she visited the National War Memorial Grounds in Veiuto, Suva, to pay her respects to honored soldiers, including her husband, who tragically lost his life while serving on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon on June 4, 1994, when he was shot down by Hezbollah.
Reflecting on her long journey through grief and hardship, Ms. Volaukitoga expressed that her faith in God has been her guiding light, helping her navigate the challenges of raising five children alone. For ten years, she worked as a market vendor in Bua without any support from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), highlighting the struggle of providing for her family under difficult circumstances. She noted, “It was never enough to raise five children alone,” acknowledging that without a regular income, her children faced significant challenges.
In 2006, her situation took a positive turn when she received an offer to work as a cleaner at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva, a role she maintained until 2016. Currently, she dedicates her time to caring for her grandchildren, with her oldest grandchild, 19-year-old Wakesa Raiwa, preparing to take her first Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examination (FSLCE). Wakesa expressed pride in her grandfather’s legacy, stating, “I may not have seen my grandfather, but I know he was a great man,” and shared her aspirations of becoming President one day, a testament to the unwavering support from Ms. Volaukitoga.
Joining them at the ceremony was Susana Veretawatini, 59, who traveled from Naisomua, Vugalei, Tailevu to honor her late husband, Corporal Lui Veretawatini, who was killed in Sinai in 2008. She spoke of the emotional weight this remembrance holds for her and her hope for her children’s futures, underscoring the bond of shared sacrifice and enduring love among the families of fallen soldiers. Despite the hardships, she has found peace and gratitude in her life today.
This year’s Remembrance Day serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and their families, with Ms. Volaukitoga and Ms. Veretawatini exemplifying resilience and hope in the face of tragedy. Their stories inspire not only remembrance but also a belief in a brighter future for the generations that follow.
These heartfelt reflections from Volaukitoga and Veretawatini remind us of the strength of the human spirit in overcoming significant challenges, and the importance of remembrance in honoring those who have served.
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