DILI, 03 february 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, called on all Timorese to recognize the role of veterans in promoting the values and principles essential to building the rule of law and consolidating the rights and freedoms of all.
“Combatants are examples of building a strong, resilient, and prosperous state. Their contribution during times of conflict and peace continues to inspire our young people to better serve our nation,” said in President Horta’s speech read by the President of the Court of Appeal, Deolindo dos Santos, at the celebration of National Veterans’ Day at the Government Palace.
Horta stressed that this year’s commemoration, under the theme: “Together, We March Forwards into the Future,” should not only remember the struggle of the combatants but also inspire future generations in order to dignify the veterans’ fight for the country’s independence.
“On this special occasion, we remember and pay tribute to those who fought tirelessly for the independence and sovereignty of our nation, especially the martyrs who shed their blood and lost their lives,” he said.
The President of the Republic also asked the veterans’ associations to take on the role of safeguarding historical memory, promoting patriotism and nationalism, and defending peace and stability.
“I encourage the members of the associations to play an active and participatory role in the process of economic and social diversification, renewing their sense of ownership of the country. I also ask all the veterans to renew the spirit of nationalism in order to organize productive activities that help the country reduce its dependence on imports. This action is not only to contribute to increasing the gross domestic product but to improve our performance and seize the opportunity to integrate into the World Trade Organization and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, among others,” he suggested.
During the National Veterans Day celebrations, President Jose Ramos-Horta in his speech conveyed by the President of the Court of Appeal, Deolindo dos Santos paid tribute to the veterans and martyrs who fought for Timor-Leste’s independence.
He praised the veterans’ “spirit of sacrifice, teamwork, dedication to goals, discipline in the struggle and individual commitments to family, community and country.” The President called on veterans to take a more active role in economic diversification and reducing dependence on imports.
Ramos-Horta also thanked foreign veterans for their “solidarity and affection” and reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to honoring the veterans’ legacy by building “a more prosperous, modern, fraternal, peaceful and tolerant country.”
Lere Anan Timur recalled that it was the struggle and sacrifices of the combatants that led the country to achieve independence.
“I call on our ministers and secretaries of state to carry out their duties responsibly in order to serve the people with dignity,” he said.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
