Lavenia Volaukitoga, 62, has honored the memory of her late husband every Remembrance Day for the past 30 years. Accompanied by her granddaughter, she attended this year’s commemoration at the National War Memorial Grounds in Veiuto, Suva. Her husband lost his life on June 4, 1994, when he was shot down by Hezbollah while serving on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon.
Reflecting on her journey through grief and struggles, Ms. Volaukitoga attributes her strength to her faith in God. “No matter how painful it was, I chose God and through that, I was composed and mastered enough courage to take care of our children alone,” she shared. Despite the challenges of raising five children without any financial support from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Ms. Volaukitoga worked tirelessly as a market vendor to make ends meet.
It was not until 2006 that she was invited to work as a cleaner at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks office in Suva, a position she held until 2016. “Now I stay home and look after my grandchildren,” she stated, proudly mentioning her eldest granddaughter, Wakesa Raiwa, who is currently preparing to sit her Fiji School Leaving Certificate Examination.
Wakesa, 19, expressed her emotions during the event, stating, “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.” Although she doesn’t aspire to follow in his footsteps as a soldier, she dreams of becoming the President one day, supported by her family, especially her grandmother.
Another attendee, 59-year-old Susana Veretawatini, traveled from Tailevu to honor the memory of her husband, Corporal Lui Veretawatini, who was killed in Sinai in 2008. “Since then, I have been attending every year to reminisce on all the memories I had with him and our family,” she shared, expressing both sorrow and gratitude for the life experiences that hardship has shaped. She had hoped her children would serve in the RFMF, but only her son has enlisted.
These poignant stories of loss and resilience highlight the strong connections and sacrifices made by families of fallen soldiers, emphasizing how love and remembrance can continue to inspire future generations.
In a world often filled with uncertainty, the commitment of these individuals to honor their loved ones while pursuing their dreams showcases the power of hope and support that can emerge from adversity.
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