Fijian families to attend Afghanistan Commemoration Service
Family members of Fijian British Army soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan to attend Service of Commemoration on 13 March
Eight family members of British Army soldiers from Fiji who lost their lives in Afghanistan will fly to the United Kingdom as guests of the British Government, to attend the Afghanistan Service of Commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday 13 March.
The national commemoration event will mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan and honour the contribution of members of the UK Armed Forces, past and present, who served on operations in Afghanistan and in the UK. It will also reflect on the 453 service men and women who lost their lives during that campaign, and those who were wounded.
The High Commissioner, HE Mr Roderick Drummond hosted tea for the family members as they prepared to leave for the UK. The families will be accompanied by the British Army Support Officer, Major (Ret’d) Jim Hall, who is based at the High Commission in Suva. During tea Mr Drummond paid tribute to all 10 soldiers from Fiji who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. He wished the families from Fiji a safe journey to London, where they will be honoured guests at the Service. Family members of 6 soldiers who reside outside Fiji will also attend the service.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will also attend the service including members of the Armed Forces, veterans, representatives of military and aid charities and organisations and the UK’s NATO allies. The activities will include a parade through the City of London from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Guildhall and a flypast.
The ten Fijian British Army soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan were:
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Pte Anare Draiva
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Tpr Ratu Sakeasi Babakobau
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Fus Petero Suesue
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Rfn Aminiasi Toge
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Cpl Taniela Rogoiruwai
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Kgn Ponipate Tagitaginimoce
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Pte Joseva Vatubua
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Pte Ratu Manasa Silibaravi
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Gdsm Apete Tuisavura
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LCpl Duane Anthony Groom