Nation honours Timor dead

The families of three New Zealand soldiers who died in East Timor received New Zealand Memorial Crosses on their behalf yesterday.

Warrant Officer Tony Walser died in a truck crash last November 30, Staff Sergeant Bill White died when his truck plunged 30m down a bluff on April 25, and Private Leonard Manning was shot by militiamen on July 24 when his patrol was ambushed.

In an emotional ceremony at Parliament, Prime Minister Helen Clark presented the men's families with the crosses.

Mrs Linda Manning said through tears that her son would have been astonished at the honours.

"There was something very good and very true about Leonard. Anyone that knew him would tell you that."

She said her son was happy to go to East Timor, knowing that he was doing something worthwhile. However, he had expected to come home.

"We're very glad that it happened very quickly for him, and very glad that they put a great deal of effort into finding him very quickly for us," she said.

"I know that we will see him again and we press onward to that day."

Helen Clark said the medals were a formal recognition by the Government and New Zealanders of the contribution the soldiers and their families had made.

"New Zealand willingly volunteered to help East Timor through its transition to independence but, tragically, three of our soldiers have paid with their lives."

She said the price of involvement in East Timor had been high, but the Government still believed the presence of United Nations peacekeepers was essential to give the country a new start.

The Government, on behalf of all New Zealanders, shared with the soldiers' families a deep sorrow at their deaths.

"I hope these medals will show our thanks for the contributions their loved ones have made in the service of their country."

- NZPA