Fiji Sun

Annual Poppy Appeal marks centennial year

- FELIX LESINAIVAL­U

Lest we forget,” is the catch cry and rallying theme for the memories of those brave souls who made the supreme sacrifice in our collective endeavour to attain lasting peace, compassion and prosperity for humanity.

This was highlighte­d by the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote during the launch of the 100 Year Anniversar­y of the Poppy Appeal at the State House recently.

“As we launch this monthlong poppy appeal today, let us continue to care for each other, be compassion­ate and try to be more considerat­e and helpful to those less fortunate in our community.”

“The poppy became the accepted symbol and universall­y adopted as the flower of remembranc­e - and the subsequent popularity of this annual event over the past decades of war and peace is to be a means to remind present and future generation­s of our global community about the horrors of

As we launch this monthlong poppy appeal today, let us continue to care for each other, be compassion­ate and try to be more considerat­e and helpful to those less fortunate in our community

war, but more importantl­y the sacrifices made by brave men and women who perished in conflict within the past 100 years or so in order that peace could forever reign worldwide today,” President Konrote said.

The Head of State further added that the initiative was noble and worthwhile and should be “cherished as a mark of respect and reverence for our forefather­s who gave up their young and precious lives in past conflicts”.

“Therefore, let us be appreciati­ve and grateful for their individual and collective sacrifices in humanity’s longing and search for everlastin­g peace for us to be able to live peacefully as responsibl­e and peace loving global citizens in a world which is often plagued by numerous challenges which can result in further conflict.”

President Konrote added that we also need to remember the Fijian men and women of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force deployed on United Nations and

Jioji Konrote President Major-General (Ret’d)

Regional Peacekeepi­ng/Support Operations in some of today’s world most troublesom­e, dangerous and volatile conflict zones.

“As we launch this month Long Poppy Appeal today, Let us continue to Care for Each Other, Be Compassion­ate and try to be more considerat­e and Helpful to those Less Fortunate in our Community.”

 ?? Photo: FELIX LESINAIVAL­U ?? From left: Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Brigadier General Jone Kalouniwai, Minister for Defence and National Security, Inia Seruiratu, President, Major-General (ret’d) Jioji Konrote, Speaker of the Fijian Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, President of Ex-Serviceman Associatio­n Ratu Peni Volavola, Fiji Police Force Commission­er Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho and Fiji Correction­s Service Commission­er Francis Kean during the launch of the 100 Year Anniversar­y of the Poppy Appeal at the State House.
Photo: FELIX LESINAIVAL­U From left: Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Brigadier General Jone Kalouniwai, Minister for Defence and National Security, Inia Seruiratu, President, Major-General (ret’d) Jioji Konrote, Speaker of the Fijian Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, President of Ex-Serviceman Associatio­n Ratu Peni Volavola, Fiji Police Force Commission­er Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho and Fiji Correction­s Service Commission­er Francis Kean during the launch of the 100 Year Anniversar­y of the Poppy Appeal at the State House.
 ?? Photo: FELIX LESINAIVAL­U ?? President, Major-General (ret’d) Jioji Konrote at the State House.
Photo: FELIX LESINAIVAL­U President, Major-General (ret’d) Jioji Konrote at the State House.

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