Cynthia Latchman experienced a deeply emotional moment as she was able to honor her late father, James Latchman, for the first time during Remembrance Day commemorations in Labasa. At just 26 years old, and having lost her father to a brief illness when she was only three, this occasion held significant importance for her.
James Latchman had dedicated 15 years of service before his passing in 1995, which has left Cynthia with only faint memories of him. She traveled from Savusavu to participate in the annual event at the Sukanaivalu Army Barrack in Vaturekuka, joining other families who similarly mourn their lost loved ones.
Another attendee, Meredani Sakealevu, shared her own heartache as she remembered her husband, Maciu, who passed away due to coronavirus on September 10, 2021. Proud of his 30 years of service as a private soldier, she expressed how life has been different since his sudden departure.
During the Remembrance Day event, Major Penasio Maumau, the officer in command of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces Sukanaivalu Barracks, reassured attendees that the sacrifices made by fallen comrades would never be forgotten.
This touching ceremony serves not only as a tribute to those who served but also highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in the healing process. Such events bring families together, creating a supportive environment for sharing grief while honoring the legacies of their loved ones.
Summary: Cynthia Latchman and Meredani Sakealevu participated in a Remembrance Day event in Labasa, reflecting on their personal losses—Cynthia honoring her father, who served 15 years before passing, and Meredani remembering her husband, a soldier who died due to COVID-19. Major Penasio Maumau emphasized the ongoing remembrance of fallen soldiers’ sacrifices, fostering a sense of community and support among attendees.
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