Image Gallery 2008
02 December 2008
Independence Day
Thousands of East Timorese took to the streets of Dili and towns around the country to celebrate Independence Day. On 28 November 1975 independence was proclaimed from Portuga. Independence Day is an opportunity for members of the East Timorese security forces to parade en masse demonstrating their precision drill and discipline. School and university students, along with traditional entertainment troupes also participated on the day.
The Fretilin Party marked Independence Day with their own celebrations in Aileu. In attendance were former Prime Minister Dr Mari Alkitiri, President of the Fretilin Party Francisco "Luolo" Guterres and Foundation President of East Timor Francisco Xavier Do Amaral.
| 20081128adf8143085_027 President of East Timor, Dr Jose Ramos Horta begins his inspection of the Military, Security, Police and Fire services on parade. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_057 The VIPs and invited guests stand in preparation for the national flag to be raised. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_069 The national flag of East Timor is raised. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_090 Traditionally dressed warriors led the parade of East Timor's Security Forces, as the crowds watched on. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_094 Soldiers of the East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) display the Falintil banner. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_096 The security forces march off flanked by school children who lined the avenue. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_107 At the end of the parade, traditional dancers and entertainers hit the street to entertain the huge crowd. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_150 Chief of the East Timor Defence Force (F-FDTL) Brigadier General Taur Matan Rouk; Interim Commander of the National Police East Timor (PNTL), Aonso De Jesus and Commander International Stabilisation Force East Timor, Brigadier Mark Holmes. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_162 At the end of the parade, traditional dancers and entertainers hit the street to entertain the huge crowd. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_214 In Aileu, the Foundation President of East Timor, Francisco Xavier Do Amaral read the Proclamation of Independence, just as he did 33 years ago. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_215 Ex Prime Minister, Secretary General of the Fretilin Party Dr Mari Alkatiri spoke at the celebration in Aileu. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20081128adf8143085_239 Ex Prime Minister, Secretary General of the Fretilin Party Dr Mari Alkatiri speaks to the party faithful in Aileu. (Date taken: 28 November 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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