THE 17th Annual Remembrance Day organised by the Penang Veterans Association was held today at the Cenotaph – Penang War Memorial, Esplanade as a gesture of honouring the fallen heroes during World War I.
This year also marks the 100th year since the First World War officially ended on Nov 11, 1918 and the Cenotaph was built as a reminder of the war.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow joined the Malaysian and Non-Malaysian veterans, servicemen, members of the diplomatic corps, organisations and individuals to pay tribute to the perished war heroes and took part in the wreath laying ceremony.
“Penang did not experience much impact from the war (World War I) except that the German Cruiser SMS Emden sank two ships in the Straits of Malacca, north of Muka Head in Penang.
“They were the Russian Cruiser Zhemchung and French destroyer Mousquet. Some of the Russian sailors who lost their lives were buried in Pulau Jerejak, Penang.
“I take this solemn Remembrance Day Ceremony with utmost respect to the fallen heroes and humbly join all of you to remember, honour and show gratitude to all those who either perished or maimed and also to their families.
“All of us and our children are enjoying freedom today due to their sacrifices. So, let us remember them by ending all wars of violence and declare war only on ignorance, poverty, discrimination, racism, hatred, extremism and corruption!” said Chow at the event.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis