DILI, 7 december 2021 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lu Olo believes that Memorial Day can encourage the Timorese people to continue the work that has been started.
President Lu Olo emphasized this statement on December 7, coinciding with the 46th anniversary of Timor Leste’s Independence Day.
“I invite my fellow countrymen to take advantage of Memorial Day, both individually and collectively, to reflect on the sacrifices of the past, which can inspire and give us strength to continue the work that has been started,” Lú Olo said in a statement released in line with the 46th anniversary of the start of the Indonesian invasion which occurred in December 1975.
Lu Olo said today marked the start of the 24-year independence struggle.
“We are all concerned with building the future. To achieve this, it is necessary to appreciate our past. Our job is to know the sacrifices of our heroes. This is a way to thank and acknowledge what they have done for this country. Without death and sacrifice, we cannot have a free and independent homeland,” he said.
Lu Olo at the same time invites all levels of society to recognize the history of Timor-Leste by respecting the past.
“It is very important for Timorese to remember the events of the past and reflect on what they can do today and tomorrow to continue the work of the martyrs,” he said.
The President also mentioned the role of the church in Timor-Leste’s identity.
“On December 7, 1975, the Indonesian military launched a massive invasion of our country. That date also marked the beginning of the suffering of our people and the national courts,” he recalled.
Lú Olo also mentions the fatal victims of the initial invasion, namely the Chinese, Borja da Costa, Rosa Muki Bonaparte, and the Australian journalist Roger East.
December 7 marked the beginning of the Indonesian invasion, a day marking the anniversary after it was approved by the National Parliament.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Nelia B
