Lavenia Volaukitoga, 62, has commemorated Remembrance Day for three decades in honor of her late husband, who she lost in a tragic incident while he served as a peacekeeper in Lebanon. This year, she was accompanied by her granddaughter at the National War Memorial Grounds in Suva, reflecting on their shared lineage of resilience and dignity.
On June 4, 1994, Ms. Volaukitoga’s husband was fatally shot by Hezbollah, an Islamist militant group. Despite her grief, she found strength in her faith, which guided her through the challenging years that followed. She described the struggle of raising five children alone in Bua without any financial support from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) for a decade. To support her family, she worked as a market vendor, which was often not sufficient. It wasn’t until a job offer from the RFMF in 2006 that she found some stability, working as a cleaner until 2016, and now focusing on caring for her grandchildren.
Her granddaughter, 19-year-old Wakesa Raiwa, expressed pride in her grandfather’s legacy, despite never having met him. She aspires to become the President, showcasing the hope and ambition that continue in the family. Wakesa appreciates the full support from her family, particularly her grandmother, as she navigates her education, with her first Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examination approaching.
Another poignant story from the day came from Susana Veretawatini, 59, who has attended the event annually since losing her husband, Corporal Lui Veretawatini, in Sinai in 2008. She spoke of her hopes for her children to follow in his footsteps with the RFMF but faced challenges that limited these aspirations. Nevertheless, she has found peace and gratitude through the hardships life has presented.
These stories highlight not just the scars left by loss but also the strength of family bonds and the enduring connections to those who served. Remembrance Day serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and the hope that each generation carries forward.
Overall, these narratives serve as a testament to human strength in the face of adversity, showcasing the impact of love and remembrance that transcends even the darkest times.
Leave a comment