Only hours remain for the 182 Fijian soldiers to be deployed to the Syrian Golan Heights for peacekeeping duties.
This morning thousands of people gathered at Albert Park to witness the military parade of the Fiji troops and their farewell ceremony.
President and Commander in Chief, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau told the men and women leaving tomorrow that deployment to the Middle East is not new as others have served around the globe.
He reminded the 182 soldiers about the volatile situation in Golan Heights which needs to be taken seriously.
The President thanked the families of the soldiers.
The President added that this deployment indicates the confidence the international community has in Fiji’s ability to contribute to the greater efforts for a more peaceful and stable world.
Staff Nurse Lucy Cirikiyasawa who is amongst the 182 people leaving for Golan Heights said she is one of the lucky soldiers chosen to be part of the trip.
Cirikiyasawa said she is not scared as she knows the dangers they will face.
The 38 year old nurse at the ICU at CWM said she will also miss her two children who are still in Primary School.
Meanwhile one of the family members, Seini Nadruku said she will miss her brother who will be leaving tomorrow.
Nadruku said she has not spoken to him yet but will just give him words of encouragement when they visit him at QEB this afternoon.
The 182 soldiers bound for Golan Heights will provide the service for 12 months before another batch is sent.
The soldiers led by Lt Colonel Sitiveni Qilio will depart Fiji tomorrow.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister will deliver a national address at 6pm on the first deployment of Fijian troops to Golan Heights.
Stay with us for details and you can also catch the full address on fijivillage.com.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso
