STRONG BOND BETWEEN RFMF AND FRENCH LEGION FORCES
Now there are 10 Fijians in the French Foreign Legion, following the honorary example of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna RATU WILIAME: AS WE REFLECT UPON THE LIFE OF THIS STATESMAN, IT IS CRUCIAL THAT WE ASK OURSELVES WHAT LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM HIS EXTRAORDINARY
Commander of the French Armed Forces in the South West Pacific, Brigadier-General Valery Putz, has expressed his admiration for the Fijian soldiers serving in the French Legion.
Speaking during the Ratu Sukuna Day celebration at Albert Park yesterday, he emphasized the strong bond between the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces and the French Legion Forces. Brigadier-General Putz acknowledged the accomplishments of the late Ratu Sukuna and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
In 1913, Ratu Sukuna traveled to England to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Oxford University. While at Wadham College, World War I erupted, and he voluntarily enlisted for active service.
Ratu Sukuna joined the French Foreign Legion in Paris, where he served for 13 months and demonstrated exceptional bravery in battle.
Following his injury in action, Ratu Sukuna was discharged and awarded the French Medaille Militaire—a distinguished military decoration presented to enlisted personnel for meritorious service and acts of bravery against an enemy force by the French Republic.
"Now there are 10 Fijians in the
French Foreign Legion, following the honorary example of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. This exemplifies the strong connections between the French army
and Fijian soldiers—a relationship well-known in the South Pacific, fostered through robust cooperation between the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces, the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia, and other partners." Brigadier-General Putz said.
"These long-established bonds have been forged through various operations, including those in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.
“There is even an account of a French officer whose life was saved by a courageous Fijian comrade," added Brigadier-General Putz, expressing his deep appreciation for the prowess of Fijian fighters.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said in his address, today Fiji commemorates 70 years since the passing of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna. Although the majority of Fijians did not have the privilege to meet this esteemed statesman, his influence in establishing the Great Council of Chiefs, addressing land matters, shaping legislation, promoting education, and fostering multiculturalism has impacted every Fijian in one way or another.
"Over the past seven days, we have witnessed the resurgence of Ratu Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna's legacy.
“The passion displayed by Fijians, both those who remember Ratu Sukuna and those who learned about him for the first time through the three lectures at Fiji National University, University of the South Pacific, and University of Fiji, has been remarkable.
"As we reflect upon the life of this statesman, it is crucial that we ask ourselves what lessons we can learn from his extraordinary journey."
On May 30, we commemorate 70 years since the passing of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere President