The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, has called on Fijians to turn out in force for the National Day of Thanksgivingtomorrow for our 45 soldiers released after two weeks in detention in Syria.
The PM said the nation’s political leaders and people of every persuasion will be coming together as one in grateful thanks for the safe return of our men.
“Fijians of all faiths prayed for the safety of our soldiers and those prayers were answered. It is a time to give thanks to God and remember the things that unite us as Fijians and the many blessings that God has bestowed on us,” he said.
The main focus of the National Day of Thanksgiving will be a multi-faith service at the ANZ National Stadium in Suvatomorrow afternoon that will be attended by many of the families and friends of the soldiers who were released.
The gathering – which starts at 4.30pm – will be addressed by H.E the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, and there will be contributions from the Christian denominations, the Hindu Pratinidhi Sabha and the Fiji Muslim League.
A massed school choir will sing the National Anthem in the three languages – English, i’Taukei and Fiji Hindi – and there will be other musical contributions from the Centenary Methodist Church Choir and the Band of the RFMF.
As well as the address by the President and sermons and prayers, a family member representing the 45 families of the freed hostages will also speak.
The gates of the National Stadium will open at 3.30pm and all members of the public are requested to be seated by 4.15 pm.
Where possible, staff in the Civil Service are being allowed to leave work earlier than usual to attend the Service and private enterprise is being asked to make the same allowance for non-essential workers.
MINFO