Australian and East Timor national flags fly side-by-side during the RAR Memorial unveiling ceremony in Balibo Township. RAR's Pte Jabesh Mohn "rests on arms" during the dedication of the RAR Memorial. Photos provided by Maj Keith Fraser, School of Inf

RAR memorial unveiled

By Maj Keith Fraser
ANOTHER chapter in the proud history of the RAR has been honoured following the unveiling of a new memorial in East Timor.

Maj-Gen Jim Connolly (Rtd) and East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri recently unveiled a memorial commemorating the RAR's participation in Operations Tanager and Citadel.

Mr Alkatiri said the memorial would remind the East Timorese people of Australia's assistance in the country's transition to independence and of the ongoing cooperation between the two nations.

Chap Kerri Larwill and Balibo-Bobonaro Parish Priest Father Sipnanus Kakut dedicated the memorial during a civic ceremony in the Balibo Township.

The regiment's Colonel Commandant, Maj-Gen Connolly, paid tribute to all six battalions of the RAR, which have completed a total of 11 six-month operational tours.

Prime Minster Alkatiri thanked all six infantry battalion groups for the contribution each had made as part of the larger UN peacekeeping force.

The memorial, constructed by soldiers from Pioneer Pl, 6RAR Bn Gp, is located near the ancient Balibo Fort, which served as the Battalion Group Headquarters location in the earlier INTERFET and UNTAET operations.

Perhaps the sentiment of the East Timorese is best summed up by the final words of the English and Tetum plaques that are mounted on the memorial:

We shall hold forever true
Our solemn pledge of '42
Timor Leste, have no fear -
Your friends will not forget you.

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