𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗹

Today, members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), together with defence partners from the United States Army and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and with families of fallen soldiers, gathered for a Commemoration Church Service at the RFMF Chapel, Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Nabua.

The service honoured the memory of RFMF personnel who lost their lives during the 2000 crisis and reflected on the reconciliation and restoration process initiated last year—marking a new chapter for the institution grounded in peace and forgiveness.

During the service, the Assistance Force Chaplain Captain (Capt) Reverend (Rev) Taniela Tama delivered the gathering sermon from the book of Micah 6:8: “Man, the Lord has shown you what is good: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

Capt. Rev. Tama emphasized the importance of reconciliation and transformation through justice, mercy, and humility, drawing parallels to Micah’s teachings during difficult times in Israel. This message serves as a guide for moving from pain to peace.

“Today, we gather not only to remember what was lost but also to begin rebuilding what was broken. We shift our focus from commemoration of tragedy to reconciliation and restoration of hearts, relationships, and faith,” Capt. Rev. Tama said.

He reflected on the prophet Micah’s message during times of division and corruption in Israel, noting that God’s call was not for rituals, but for transformed living — a call that remains relevant for the RFMF as it continues its journey from pain to peace.

“The foundation of reconciliation begins with truth. Justice is not vengeance; it is the courage to face what went wrong and to put things right. Doing justly means acknowledging every loss, every failure, every silence that allowed hurt to grow—and committing to rebuild trust,” Capt. Tama added.

Capt. Rev. Tama further reminded members that mercy is the act of forgiveness that transforms enmity into brotherhood and restores peace in families and communities.

“To love mercy is to find joy in giving grace, even to those who failed us,” he said.

“Mercy comforts grieving families, gives hope to those burdened by guilt or shame, and reminds us that grace is stronger than hatred.”

He concluded by urging members of the RFMF to remain steadfast in pursuing reconciliation through justice, mercy, and humility—principles that heal divisions and rebuild the moral fabric of the Force.

The service concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the old 3rd Battalion of Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) complex grounds in honour of the fallen soldiers.