35th Anniversary FALINTIL
“To move forward we must not forget our own History”
On the 20th of August, Friday, at the Government Palace in Díli, the 350 Anniversary of the FALINTIL was celebrated by the F-FDTL, with the motto “To move forward we must not forget our own History”. The 20th of August is a very important and historic date to pay homage to the heroes that gave their lives for the liberation of our Country.
In his speech, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta pointed out that “the manifestation of a trustworthy relationship with other countries and with neighbouring countries, through joint military exercises recently organized with the American and Australian naval forces, constitutes a positive example for the F-FDTL, for the benefit of security at a national and regional level and the good relations between countries”.
Ramos-Horta also referred that “to continue with the mission attributed to the F-FDTL, the State should invest a lot in the military training of its Armed forces, in a way that contributes for regional stability and Peace”.
As the Supreme Commander of the F-FDTL, the President of the Republic appealed to the military officials that have already shown their commitment, dedication and sacrifice, to continue to follow their ancestors’ example, so that they may achieve the People’s merit, respect and admiration.
For the F-FDTL Major General, Taur Matan Ruack, it is necessary “to consolidate our national identity so that our rulers can foment a national feeling, consolidate and develop the democratic process and Peace so that tolerance may increase in our Country, develop the government institutions, the State and the dependable organs, reinforce political and social stability in a way to create a stable condition to walk in the way of economic development and bring never ending Peace and prosperity for Timor and the Timorese in the future”.
The Major-General, also highlighted that “all these factors are important for the edification of a solid, firm State with the capacity to face this millennium’s challenges, because since the beginning, today and in the future, the FALINTIL have the compromise to build Timor-Leste as a nation that is politically sovereign, neutral, that shows solidarity and is economically prosperous and sustainable”.
This celebration have the purpose of let the youth know the heroes that gave their lives for their country’s liberation, and that it was precisely the FALINTIL that were considered the heroes of our Motherland and guides of the fight that culminated with the restoration of independence.
Present at the celebration were the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the President of the National Parliament, Fernando “La Sama” de Araújo, o Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the acting President of the Appeal Court, Maria Natércia Gusmão Pereira, members of the National Parliament, members of the Government, members of the Diplomatic Corp and representatives of the Church and other religious entities.
