When I was thinking about Fiji’s history and the road to independence, I couldn’t help flicking through some old photographs belonging to my late dad.

Some of them feature Fiji’s greatest leaders. The men in these photos have left a legacy of an era when things were different and when things were done differently.

Yes, Fiji lived under colonialism. And yes, we lived through the ugliness of apartheid and all of its uncomfortable and oppressive practices.

But there was also something else about this era we lived through that I can only describe as being uniquely inspirational. And it was the men and women who gave of their time, money and resources to try and build a nation from the ashes of a deeply divided country.

Yet they did it with wisdom deeply rooted with the respect for protocols and cultural norms that were held in the highest regard by the men and women who were paving the way towards independence.

Not all of the men I will introduce you to were in the political limelight. Many of them were working behind the scenes to ensure that the country was headed in the right direction.

They weren’t perfect men. Yet despite their flaws and shortcomings, these men knew and understood what the words “Honour” and “Honourable” meant.

If we were to remove their political beliefs, their aspirations were very much the same in what they wanted to achieve for the soon to be established independent nation of Fiji.

There are times when I’ll open my album and look at their photos and start reminiscing. And then my mind will travel through the mists of time, journeying back to life in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

I get a little melancholy doing this because it’s filled with bitter sweet memories of people, places, events and moments that have forever been etched into the pages of history in my heart and mind.

I vividly recall some of these men coming to our home in Kimberley Street when I was a little boy. They would spend hours discussing a heap of different subjects, but mostly politics.

Even as young as I was, I was intrigued with their passionate debates and discussions. They spoke about how they were going to move the country forward towards independence.

At times, their discussions would become heated. Not because they were angry with each other. It was because they were passionate about their ideas and how to achieve their goals and objectives to bring about independence.

Even though I didn’t fully understand what they were talking about, I still found it fascinating. From what I can recall, they didn’t attack each other’s personal feelings and opinions. They stayed true to their beliefs without bitterness and rancour.

These men came from different backgrounds, cultures and communities. Yet they served Fiji with distinction. They didn’t always agree with each other. But the one thing they did have was a tremendous sense of honour and respect for each other’s views.

There were times when I would be privileged to be in the presence of these great men and their families. While I didn’t fully understand or appreciate the depth of their friendship, I felt they were men who had a strong bond with each other. Their desire was to set Fiji on a path for a better future for people of all races.

I learned to love and respect them for who they were. I don’t remember everyone’s names. But there are some people whose names have stuck in my mind. It’s most probably because they made an impression on a little boy.

Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau

Whenever he would walk past our home he would stop, smile and raise his hand in a military style salute. I would stand at attention and salute him back. He was such a dignified man and always immaculately dressed in his suluvatoga. And he spoke so eloquently yet softly. A true gentleman and statesman.

Ratu Sir George Cakobau

What an impressive figure he was. He had such a regal air about him that I felt I was in the presence of royalty. When our family was invited by him to visit the Chiefly island of Bau, it was like an adventure straight out of a story book.

I can remember the boat ride from the mainland to the island. When we reached the beach we were taken off the boat by his warriors onto dry land. It was followed by a traditional Fijian welcome that was awe inspiring. After the magiti (banquet), he took us on a personal tour of his island home.

I felt such a sense of gratitude and appreciation and realised much later in life what that experience truly meant to a child and to us as a family. I will treasure it always.

Ravuama Vunivalu

My oh my. This man had a presence about him that I can only describe as being mesmerising. He was the orator’s orator. And even though he could come across as a strong imposing figure with his powerful speech, I saw a deep abiding sense of genuineness and gentleness about him. He was like a warrior who knew what it meant to fight for what was just and right.

Semesa Sikivou

This man was the humblest of men. Yet he had a dignified presence of genuine warmth, kindness and compassion about him. We were close family friends of the Sikivous and something I will always cherish.

Abdul Lateef

This man had an air of charm and confidence that was captivating. He was a lovable character, brilliant to the core yet filled with joyous laughter and a great sense of humour. Our families were very close.

Ratu David Toganivalu

This amazing man was a knight without the title because of his incredible talent in the field of politics. He was a lovable leader and people person who shot straight from the hip without wounding anyone. He was gracious and kind and highly articulate and inspiringly intelligent. He brought charm and charisma to effect change like only he could muster.

Ram Samy Reddy

A humble beautiful man filled with quiet wisdom. He was a generous and lovingly loyal man, true to his word. He and his brothers and their amazing families have contributed to the development of construction and hospitality industries that still support the nation’s economy in ways that are superlatively legendary.

Sethi Narayan

He was the level headed quiet achiever of incredible charm, grace and courage. There was a goodness about him that he never flaunted because he knew what he had was given to him as a gift. And he valued his gifts but with such stately grace and generosity.

Chandar Pal Singh

I loved going to his home in Navua. Just like Bau, his place was a place of adventure. Softly spoken, he was a giant of a man because of his unwavering loyalty and beliefs about how to do things right. And he was kind and generous to the core always thinking of ways to give back to the community.

Fred Archibald

A brilliant mind and beautifully kind and caring human being who gave you the time of day because he believed in you. His counsel was like something from the Bible. And it was at his home in SavuSavu where my Dad had a miraculous encounter with the divine that changed his life forever.

Dr Ram Lakhan

He was the dentist who had a gruff exterior but a huge heart of gold. He and his family did so much work together behind the scenes for the community and country. One of our family’s closest friends.

And there were so many others like these amazing men and their wives and families who gave of their time, money and wisdom because they truly believed in their vocation to serving the community and country with distinction.

While many other names escape me at this moment, we salute you all and thank you and your families for your service to the nation.

We are indebted to you all. May God richly bless your surviving families with His infinite love, grace and goodness.

• COLIN DEOKI is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed in this article are his and not necessarily of this newspaper.