The Formation Anniversary of FALINTIL is observed in East Timor every August 20, commemorating the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of East Timor, which fought for the country's independence. FALINTIL, founded on August 20, 1975, served as the military wing of the leftist political party FRETILIN during the struggle against Portuguese and Indonesian rule. Initially, the organization comprised 2,500 regular soldiers, alongside others with varying degrees of military training. Following East Timor's independence, FALINTIL was dissolved but quickly reinstated as the Timor Leste Defense Force (Falintil-FDTL). Observances include official events at the F-FDTL headquarters, flag-raising ceremonies, military parades, and the conferring of promotions and awards. Although not a national holiday, government employees typically receive a day off to participate in the celebrations.