IT is this time of the year again when the Penang Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese War Memorial World Remembrance Day is celebrated at the Air Itam War Memorial Park today.
Celebrated annually on Nov 11, the occasion is held to remember the members of the armed forces who perished during the Japanese Occupation.
On this auspicious event, more than 100 people from the various associations in the state as well as the public were present to ensure the event was celebrated in a meaningful manner.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state delegation were there as well to witness the ceremony.
In his speech, he paid tribute to the fallen heroes, who had sacrificed themselves to protect the country.
“It is important to note that all of us are here today to recognise the effort of those unfortunate ones.
“All these unsung heroes have upheld the spirit of fearlessness, which brought us today’s harmonious environment in our country.
“Let us humbly pay our tribute to them,” he said.
Chow emphasised the importance of spreading joy and peace to ensure a peaceful environment.
Chinese consul-general to Penang Zhou Youbin, who was also present, lauded the hard work and selfless services of the fallen heroes.
The Chinese consulate in Penang also gave RM20,000 to the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Centre at the end of the event.
Among those present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Social Development and Non-Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi