It was an emotional day for the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces family as they came together in numbers to be part of the closing of their 9 month Reconciliation and Restoration program.
The occasion marked a new pathway for the RFMF, 24 years after the November 2nd 2000 mutiny.
The RFMF family also presented a matanigasau to 8 families who lost their loved ones during the 2000 mutiny at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.
Speaking at the service, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka apologized to the 8 families, saying that he is the one to be blamed as he started the coup culture on May 14th 1987 when he didn't follow the laws of Fiji.
He says if he did not do what he had done in 1987, then nothing of such would have happened in 2000.
Rabuka says he has asked President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere to release former Army Commader Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho so they can be part of today's program.
He hopes today's service will build a new bridge and new hope for the RFMF.
Another representative of the 8 families urged the RFMF not to be greedy and ensure that they uphold the oaths they have taken when they joined the military force.
Speaking on behalf of the RFMF, the Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai says they are here to ask for forgiveness for the things that had transpired in 2000.
He says most of them have searched for answers for the past 24 years and today, the RFMF family seeks their forgiveness.
Maj.Gen Kalouniwai says this is a start of a new pathway for them as they try to steer out country back to its diplomatic state.
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