DILI, 7 december 2021 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic said National Memory Day encourages Timorese people to continue the works that had been started.
“I call on my compatriots to take advantage of the National Remembrance Day, individually or collectively, to reflect on the past sacrifices, which may inspire and give us strength to continue the works that we have had started,” Lú Olo made the call in a statement, on the day that marks the 46 years of Indonesian invasion, which took place on december 7, 1975.
The Head of State recalls that the date (december 7) marks the beginning of the struggle for independence and freedom, which lasted for 24 years.
“We are all thinking about building a better future. To realize it, it is necessary to value our past. Our duty is to know the sacrifices of our compatriots during the 24-year resistance. It is part of our appreciation and recognition of the sacrifices they did for this land. Without the sacrifices of the martyrs, we would not have freedom and an independent country,” he said.
Lu Olo urges all citizens to learn the history of Timor-Leste to value its past.
“It is very important for Timorese people to remember those past events and reflect on what they can do today and tomorrow to continue the works of the martyrs,” he said.
The President also recalls the role of the Catholic religion in building the identity of Timor-Leste.
“On december 7, 1975, the Indonesian military launched a full-scale invasion into our country. The date also marks the beginning of the prolonged martyrdom of our people and national ordeal,” he recalls.
Lú Olo mentioned a number of victims who were killed at the beginning of the invasion, namely Borja da Costa, Rosa Muki Bonaparte, and the Australian journalist, Roger East.
December 7th was approved by the National Parliament, as the National Remembrance Day.
Journalist: Domingos Piedade Freitas
Editor: Rafy Belo
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
