Dare Memorial Commemorates its 44th Anniversary

13 April, 2013

Wreath-laying at the memorial site

Chair of the Dare Memorial Museum & Cafe Board, Mr Gerald Kenneally, and members of the Australian and Timorese armed forces pay tribute to the memory of those who perished during the 2nd World War.

This year the community of Fatunaba, together with members of the Board of the Dare Memorial Museum and Café and representatives of Government, F-FDTL, the Australian Forces, tertiary institutions and civil society organisations celebrated this historic site’s anniversary with a trek from Matadouro in Dili to the memorial site, a series of addresses and a community feast.

Chairman of the Board of the Dare Memorial Museum and Café, Mr Gerald Kenneally, spoke about the legacy of his father, Paddy Kenneally, who served in Timor during the 2^nd World War and went on to be one of Australia’s most passionate and vocal activists. Paddy sought acknowledgment from the Australian government for the services of the Timorese who lost their lives in the tens of thousands whilst assisting Australian commandos. Those battles still continue today.

Also serving on the Board and delivering some words of greeting and reflection on the day were Mr James Dexter, Director Creative and Regional Development at the Western Australian Museum. In addition to having passionately supported the Western Australian Museum’s hosting of the “Debt of Honour” exhibition, Mr Dexter has a special personal connection to Timor-Leste and its wartime history, being the son of Captain David Dexter, a member of the 2/2^nd Commando Association.

Mr James Dexter, Commander Falur (F-FDTL), Vice-Minister for Preschool and Basic Education, Ms Dulce Soares and Mr Gerald Kenneally

The Museum Board and community were grateful for the participation of the Vice-Minister for Preschool and Basic Education, Ms Dulce Soares, who spoke of the memorial and Museum’s significance in providing the nation’s children with an understanding of the sacrifices and hardship on which the country’s independence has been built.