DILI, 03 March 2026 (TATOLI) – President José Ramos-Horta on tuesday presided over the official commemoration of the IX National Veterans Day, calling for a renewed national effort focused on economic freedom, social dignity and sustainable development.
The ceremony was held at the central building of the Council of National Liberation Combatants (CCLN) in Comoro under the theme “Unity in Diversity with a Sense of Nationhood.”
In his address, the Head of State paid solemn tribute to the martyrs and heroes of the 24-year liberation struggle, describing veterans as an “incomparable moral capital” for the nation.
“The veterans represent an incomparable moral capital whose discipline, organization, and unshakable faith remain the bedrock of Timor-Leste’s national identity and stability,” the President said in his state speech.
Ramos-Horta highlighted the country’s transition from the battlefield to what he described as the “Struggle for Development,” stressing that the same unity that secured independence is now needed to advance ASEAN integration and strengthen economic sovereignty.
He pointed to the “Bank of Our Future” as an example of the veterans’ transformative capacity, calling it a symbol of the shift from armed resistance to economic investment.
The President also urged young people to draw inspiration from the selflessness of the older generation in addressing current challenges, including food insecurity, malnutrition and multidimensional poverty.
Reaffirming the State’s commitment to ensuring justice and dignity for all former combatants, Ramos-Horta called for renewed national cohesion to achieve sustainable prosperity for the Timorese people.
Underscoring the shift in the nation’s historical mission, he declared: “If the first [struggle] was for political freedom, this one is for economic freedom, social dignity, and the well-being of all.”
The President concluded by reminding the nation that veterans remain the guardians of historical memory and essential pillars of the country’s future.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
