Tribute to the National Liberation Martyrs
The Presidency of the Republic and the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Social Solidarity, paid tribute with Funeral Honors, to 146 National Liberation Martyrs, at a ceremony held in the Heroes Garden cemetery in Metinaro, Dili.
The ceremony took place on December 7, the date which marks the invasion of Indonesia in Timor-Leste. Present at the ceremony were the President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, the President of the National Parliament, Vicente Guterres, the Vice Prime Minister, Fernando La Sama de Araújo, members from the National Parliament and from Government, former cabinet members, family members of the martyrs and the wider community.
The President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, recalled in his speech, that the people and the nation are paying tribute to the National Liberation Martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to achieve the freedom and independence of our country.
"In memory to our heroes, our Fatherland pays tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in the name of our country's freedom. It was through their sacrifice that today we are able to build a honourable country, "said Taur Matan Ruak.
The Head of State further stressed that the spirit of these heroes continues to be present, to help, and encourage the Timorese to further develop the country, to improve the living conditions of the population, and that the widows and orphans of the martyrs are never forgotten.
