REPRESENTATIVES from over 80 organisations across Penang came together today at the Air Itam War Memorial Park to commemorate the Penang Overseas Chinese Anti-War Memorial World Remembrance Day.
Observed annually on November 11, this commemoration serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives during the Japanese Occupation.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who represented Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the ceremony, shared the history of the ‘Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics’.
This refers to over 3,200 overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia who returned to China to aid in the war against Japanese aggression, particularly by driving vehicles and providing technical support.
He expressed hope that this chapter of history would stand as a lasting reminder to all, never to rekindle the flames of war.
“Today, we honor their courage, sacrifice, and dedication qualities that continue to inspire us. Though peace now prevails, history’s echoes remind us that it was hard-won and must be cherished.
“Let us turn remembrance into action, working for peace, standing for justice, and building a better society for all.
“May the spirit of the mechanics and all who perished live on, eternal and undying, guiding us toward a brighter future,” Wong added.
During the ceremony, Wong also announced, on behalf of Chow, a RM20,000 allocation to support the event.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Chuang Keng Kung, the organising chairman of the event shared that the 80th anniversary memorial ceremony saw over 80 organisations take part, the most ever for the event.
He emphasised that the memorial serves as a reminder for future generations to cherish and safeguard the hard-won peace, and to carry forward the precious legacy left by the martyrs.
Speaking at the event, Chinese consul-general to Penang Zhou Youbin noted that both countries, in wartime and in peace, are bound by friendship and shared principles, continuing their predecessors’ legacy.
Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying announced an allocation of RM10,000 in support of the event, remarking that peace after war was achieved through countless acts of courage and sacrifice a truth that must be cherished by all.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting