A 70-year-old veteran called on the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to review how Remembrance Day was organised, saying the annual commemoration was gradually losing sight of its original purpose.

Speaking to Fiji One News, Josateki Labadai said Remembrance Day should have remained focused on honouring the men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty and recognising veterans who represented Fiji in peacekeeping missions.

Labadai believed the commemoration was no longer what it used to be, claiming that greater emphasis was being placed on the diplomatic corps and Members of Parliament, taking attention away from the sacrifices of former servicemen and women.

He also raised concerns about how veterans were treated during the event, claiming they were seated at the back instead of being given front-row seats in recognition of their years of service.

Labadai said veterans were also left without proper seating arrangements during the lunch following the ceremony, while members of the disciplined forces had already been served.

He claimed that when the veterans went for lunch, they had to look for places to stand and eat, while those in uniform were already seated and having their meals.

He said such arrangements made veterans feel overlooked, despite the years they had dedicated to serving the country.

Labadai also called on current members of the disciplined forces to place greater importance on the welfare and recognition of veterans, who had already completed years of service to the nation.

He urged the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to reconsider how the annual event was organised to ensure veterans were properly acknowledged and the central purpose of Remembrance Day was not overlooked.

For Labadai, the commemoration should have remained an occasion to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice while recognising and respecting the veterans who served the country.

By: Litia Rabua