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Just take a moment to reflect, on what the occasion of a UN medal parade represents. Just start to think of all the things that Australians cherish and respect.
There is the right to a fair go, and freedom to make choice.These are the things that we hold so dear; yet at times also take for granted. These notions are also what a UN medal represents. It is about the gift of freedom, choice, safety and security. This is a gift to be given to those around the world that are suppressed, and oppressed.
This is the very gift that the soldiers of the 9th Force Support Battalion (9 FSB) helped provide to the people of East Timor.
On the 23rd day of May, 2000 the men and women of 9 FSB, including Battalion Headquarters, 176th Air Dispatch Squadron, 26th Transport Squadron, and 26th Combat Supply Company formed up on a dry, dusty, parched area of earth, located a couple of hundred metres from 26th Transport Squadron’s Camel Barracks.
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They were here to be presented with East Timor’s acknowledgement of thanks and gratitude, for bringing to their country the beginnings of democracy and stability.
The sun beat down with the harshness only a tropical sun can upon the heads of soldiers clad in the pale blue beret of the United Nations, known and recognised the world over.Upon the arrival of
the Force Commander, Lieutenant General Jaime de los Santos (Philippines) the medal parade
began. He addressed those before him, congratulating us all on a job well done.
He ensured though, to speak of looking forward to produce more of what had already been
achieved.
More of the reliability and dependability one can expect from the battalion.
More of the professionalism that comes from Australian soldiers.
From these words came the knowledge to give us a little perspective.
This helped to lift the spirit of the soldiers before him. Even though we wished to be with those we loved and held dear, he let us know that we had been a part of the whole that had propped a new and fledgling nation. Assisted its people: young, old, sick, or strong to have what Australians have today.
And just as Alfred
Deakin, Australian Federation Leader said 100 years ago:
"We want Liberty and Unity for all time to come."
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