Mother recalls saddening moment, best friend shows support
Brij Raji still remembers the day she was called by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces saying her eldest son had died in the line of duty.
Her son, Corporal Umesh Chand, was killed in 2013 while on duty at a check point in Sinai.
The mother of six, of Bulileka, Labasa was emotional when she laid a wreath during the Remembrance Day at Sukanaivalu Army Barrack, Vaturekuka in Labasa yesterday. Among the families were two best friends, Sera Curuki and Mere Wati, Year Nine students at Labasa College.
Mere said: “Sera is my best friend and I came to stand beside her to provide comfort as she had lost her father Ilimeleki Curuki in 2015. “I do not understand how it feels to lose a loved one but I realise the value of friendship and that is why I am here with Sera,” she said. Northern Divisional Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police Verani Nakauyaca told family and friends: “Be rest assured that the sacrifice of your loved ones will never be forgotten. This is our solemn promise to you.” “As I speak today hundreds of our servicemen and women are putting their lives at risk in the most notable causes not waging war but keeping the peace for ordinary people in troubled parts of the world,” he said.
“As Fijians we believe that it is the responsibility of all nations to work together to make the world a safer place by bringing peace to troubled regions.”