Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Dili, August 18th, 2017
Commemoration of the 42nd Anniversary of FALINTIL
The 20th of August 2017 will mark the 42nd Anniversary of the formation of FALINTIL, the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of Timor-Leste.
The Government expresses its deep respect and gratitude to FALINTIL and honors all National Liberation Combatants, whose courage and sacrifice during our 24 years of struggle lead to a free and independent Timor-Leste.
A series of events have been organized in the lead up to FALINTIL Day. Between the 7th and the 18th of August a sporting competition, the FALINTIL Cup, was conducted at the Futsal Field at Fatuhada with games played between Government Ministries. On the Saturday the 19th of August a special Mass in Honor of the National Heroes will be held in the Church of Santo Antonio [Motael], followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Cemetery of the Heroes in Metinaro.
On Sunday the 20th of August the central event to honor the anniversary of FALINTIL takes place at the F-FDTL Headquarters in Fatuhada. Visiting guests will include high ranking military representatives from Portugal and Australia, and military personnel, veterans and diplomats from around the world.
The official program involves a Flag Raising Ceremony, military parades, and the conferring of promotions and awards. Speeches will be delivered by the President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, H.E. Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, and by the General Chief of Staff of the Defense Force, Major-General Lere Anan Timur.
This ceremony will finish with a presentation to students who have participated in a march from Ainaro to Dili in honor of the 42nd Anniversary, followed by a musical performance and military demonstration.
Spokesperson for the Sixth Constitutional Government, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted “in these next days we remember FALINTIL and all those who served within her ranks. Today the sun rises and sets over a peaceful and free Timor-Leste because of their sacrifice and courage. We honor them. It is in the spirit of FALINTIL that we know what it is to love and serve and inspired by their dignity and determination, we press on, working together to build our Nation.”ENDS