Image Gallery 2009
10 November 2009
Presentation of Timor Leste Solidarity Medal by East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta
The President of East Timor, Jose Ramos Horta, awarded 70 Timor Leste Solidarity Medals and thanked Australian soldiers as they prepare to return to Australia.
“You are being awarded the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal in appreciation and gratitude for your services in securing the peace, tranquillity and security in East Timor,” President Ramos Horta said to the assembled soldiers.
The medal ceremony was held at the Baucau Forward Operating Base in East Timor and was attended by the Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), Commodore Stuart Mayer, and representatives of the diplomatic community.
The soldiers, from 2RAR in Townsville, are at the end of their tour of duty in East Timor that has lasted up to eight months in duration for some members.
“We are eternally gratified, and you can be proud of what many of you have done since 1999,” President Ramos Horta told the troops, many of them having completed more than one deployment to East Timor.
“Some of you have been here many times. Some since 1999 and some since 2006 at the height of our unfortunate political and security crisis.
“You can see the difference between then and today.
“You have contributed to restoring peace, security and confidence to the East Timorese people, East Timorese families and the mothers and children.”
The Timor Leste Solidarity Medal is awarded to defence force members who have served at least 120 days service as part of the International Stabilisation Force in East Timor.
The ISF is comprised of personnel from the Australian and New Zealand defence forces operating at the invitation of the Government of East Timor. The ISF works in support of the United Nations to maintain stability and provide a secure environment for the ongoing development of Timor Leste.
| 20091109adf8114832_009 East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, shakes the hand of Commodore Stuart Mayer, the Commander of the International Stabilisation Force, after the medal parade in Baucau, East Timor. (Date taken: 09 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091109adf8114832_074 Commanding Officer of the Timor Leste Battle Group, Lieutenant Colonel David Smith, shakes Private Ben Hook's hand, after being presented his Timor Leste Solidarity Medal by East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, during a medal parade in Baucau, East Timor. (Date taken: 09 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091109adf8114832_082 East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, shakes Lieutenant Rowan Le Lievre's hand, after presenting him with his Timor Leste Solidarity Medal, during a medal parade in Baucau, East Timor. (Date taken: 09 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091109adf8114832_104 East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, pins Private Cameron Robison's Timor Leste Solidarity Medal on his chest, during a medal parade in Baucau, East Timor. (Date taken: 09 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091109adf8114832_119 East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, pins Private Jared Pucell's Timor Leste Solidarity Medal on his chest, during a medal parade in Baucau, East Timor. (Date taken: 09 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091109adf8114832_152 East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, shakes Private Timothy Chapman's hand, after presenting him with the Timor Leste Solidarity Medal, during a medal parade in Baucau, East Timor. (Date taken: 09 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20091109adf8114832_189 East Timor President, His excellency, Dr Jose Ramos-Horta, shakes Corporal Gary Yang's hand, after presenting him with his Timor Leste Solidarity Medal, during a medal parade in Baucau, East Timor. (Date taken: 09 November 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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