His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has urged all Fijians to celebrate the sacrifice and commitment of all our men and women serving overseas.
In his address to the nation marking Fiji’s 44 years of independence, the head of state said that our servicemen and women may be far across the seas, but they remain close to us in our hearts and we must pray for them as well as for their families here in Fiji.
“On this Fiji Day, let us celebrate their sacrifice and commitment, along with that of all our other men and women serving the people of other nations,” Ratu Epeli said.
“Our peacekeepers and police officers not only on the Golan heights but in Iraq, Liberia and South Sudan; those Fijians serving in other armed forces around the world; our civilian volunteers working in schools, hospitals and clinics in our Pacific neighbors; and all those Fijians working in countries further afield.”
His Excellency added that the families of those Fijians serving outside the country should be proud of their dedication in putting the needs of others before their own.
“Because that is the essence of Fiji day. A time to put aside our individual concerns and think about our nation and what it means to us all,” Ratu Epeli said.
“I appeal to you all to be patriotic, to have a true sense of pride about our nation no matter what we do or where we are.”
His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was accorded a 21 gun salute that was followed by a parade by members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces which was witnessed by more than a thousand Fijians at Albert Park today.
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