Lavenia Volaukitoga, age 62, has made it a point to honor her late husband every Remembrance Day for the past 30 years. She was tragically widowed when her husband was killed by Hezbollah while serving as a peacekeeper in Lebanon on June 4, 1994. This year, she attended the commemorations at the National War Memorial Grounds in Veiuto, Suva, accompanied by her granddaughter.
Despite the profound grief, Ms. Volaukitoga credits her faith in God for helping her navigate the pain of losing her partner and the challenges of single parenthood. Relying on her resilience, she raised five children alone in Bua without financial aid from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), often working as a market vendor to support her family. Unfortunately, she feels the lack of a steady income hindered her children’s opportunities for success.
In 2006, hope appeared in the form of a job offer from the RFMF, which allowed her to work as a cleaner until 2016. Now, she focuses on caring for her grandchildren, including her eldest, Wakesa Raiwa, who is preparing to take the Fiji School Leaving Certificate examination.
Wakesa expressed her admiration for her grandfather’s legacy, stating, “I may not have seen my grandfather, but I know he was a great man.” While she doesn’t aspire to join the military, she dreams of one day becoming the President of Fiji, highlighting her ambition and the support of her grandmother.
Also present at the memorial was Susana Veretawatini, who shared her own story of loss after her husband, Corporal Lui Veretawatini, was killed in 2008 while serving in Sinai. She has consistently attended Remembrance Day events to cherish the memories of her husband. Despite facing hardships that altered her hopes for her children to join the RFMF, Ms. Veretawatini maintains a sense of peace and gratitude for the life she has built.
This article reflects the strength and resilience of individuals who have experienced profound loss while honoring the sacrifice of their loved ones. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of love, remembrance, and the enduring legacies of those who have served. In coming together to share their experiences, these women offer inspiration and hope to future generations, demonstrating that while loss is painful, it also fosters strength and unity.
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