On this day, ten years ago, Fiji faced a major crisis when a group of rebel soldiers tried to take over Queen Elizabeth Barracks and carry out a mutiny.
Three loyal soldiers, Lance Corporal Simione Rawaileba, Private Seru Sirinavosa and Private Jonetani Veilawai died on that day and a special commemoration ceremony was today held at QEB to honor the fallen men.
After the wreath laying ceremony this morning, Leba Rawaileba thanked the Military for employing her eldest son after the tragic death of his father.
USP student Ro Liku Vosailagi said she remembers her father for his hard work and acknowledged the financial assistance from the Military to pay for her education.
In an earlier interview, Prime Minister and Army Commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the RFMF will always ensure that its soldiers did not die in vain when the rebels tried to cause instability.
Commodore Bainimarama said RFMF is now united compared to 2000 when the attempted mutiny occurred.
Commodore Bainimarama said some people also underestimated the strength of the RFMF from 2000 onwards.
Meanwhile RFMF's Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mohammed Aziz who attended today's commemoration ceremony said today also serves as a memory for the young soldiers that are now entering the force what transpired at QEB ten years ago.
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Tokasa Rainima
Feature
Fallen heroes remembered in memorial ceremony
