Scoop Images: Memorial Service in East Timor

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MEDIA RELEASE

28 July 2000

Memorial Service for Private Leonard William Manning in East Timor

A memorial service was held at 1100 am today at the New Zealand Battalion Headquarters in Suai, East Timor to honor Private Leonard Manning.

Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield, Commanding Officer of the New Zealand Battalion Group in East Timor addressed the service. “I’d like to now address Len’s parents, Charlie and Linda, and his sister Laura. I have spoken from East Timor with Charlie and Linda, and we have all drawn tremendous strength from their comments and support. They have expressed, more than anything, a concern for Len’s mates who continue to patrol the borders of East Timor. They can be assured that they continue to do their job for Len. Finally I wish to speak to Len, for the price you have paid, we owe it to you, not to walk away from Timor but to push on. You can be assured that we will push on with a renewed determination. Farewell friend, you will always be remembered,” he said.

The New Zealand Battalion Group is continuing with their operations in the border region of East Timor to provide security to the people of East Timor.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Lt Pauline Wright
Public Information Officer
East Timor
e-mail: nzforempro@hotmail.com
Phone: 00 61 8 407186519