Lieutenant Colonel Mason Smith has dedicated his 50th Independence Commemorative Medal to his late parents and family who have been a pillar of strength in his career.
Smith says he is honoured and humbled to be recognised for his services to the country and he will continue to serve the nation.
The former Permanent Secretary for Agriculture says some of the challenges he faced was when he was deployed overseas but support from other Fijians enabled them to overcome these challenges.
He says one of the most memorable moments of his journey is serving in Bougainville and East Timor.
Smith is one of the 32 people who received the 50th Independence Commemorative Medal today from the President Jioji Konrote.
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