Standing here today, there is a shared sense of unity, comradeship, and collective security, but it is important to remember that today’s peace comes from the hard work and sacrifice of previous generations.
This has been highlighted by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service held at the Suva Military Cemetery this morning.
Darlow says New Zealand and Australia’s shared military history with Fiji, in particular, is of special significance to them as nations, with a shared journey in the protection of the Pacific during the Second World War, where Fiji was a hub of regional operations that spread out across the region.
She says Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside other regional partners, have all been part of that story.
ANZAC Day is a national day of celebration to remember servicemen and women who died in wars, peacekeeping duties and also to honour those of the Gallipoli Campaign in the World War.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua joined Darlow and Australia’s Chargé d' affaires to Fiji, Stuart Watts for the service.
Also present at the memorial service was the Fiji Navy Commander Humphrey Tawake, Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew, President of the Returned Soldiers and Ex-Servicemen, Ratu Peni Volavola, members of the ex-servicemen and members of the disciplined forces.
