Bainimarama calls for world peace

Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama launched the Poppy Appeal with a touching message to mark the occasion by calling on all nations to work together to bring about world peace.

Bainimarama said that as Fijians we believed that it is the responsibility of all nations to work together to make the world a safer place by bringing peace to the troubled regions.

 “I need hardly remind you of our nation’s notable and distinguished record of service in past wars,  including both World Wars, as well as present day peacekeeping missions in places as such Sinai, South Sudan and Iraq, to name a few,”  he said.

He also said that the red flower (the poppy flower) has become a worldwide symbol of commemoration for Fiji’s fallen heroes, veterans and enlisted servicemen and women.

 “I need hardly remind you of our nation’s notable and distinguished record of service in past wars,  including both World Wars, as well as present day Peacekeeping Missions in such places as Sinai, South Sudan and Iraq, to name a few,” he said.

 The head of government said that as a nation, we can be proud of the fact that we have always made and continue to make contributions to international Peacekeeping efforts far beyond what is expected of a country our size.

“The men and women who stand side by side with comrades from across the globe risk their lives in service to this calling. A calling that is deeply embraced by the citizens our country. By our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers,” Bainimarama said.

 “It is their duty to serve, and it is our duty to honour that service and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of that service,” he added.

 The Poppy Appeal is an annual event launched to raise funds for organizations that raise the profile of veterans that have served in conflict zones including the ex servicemen association.

By Indrani Krishna