HUNDREDS of people gathered at the Cenotaph (Penang War Memorial) along the Esplanade in George Town this morning to honour fallen heroes in conjunction with World Remembrance Day.
Many arrived as early as 7am to lay wreaths and observe a solemn moment of silence.
Organised annually by the Penang Veterans’ Association (PVA), the ceremony pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during World War I, World War II, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation and other armed conflicts.
PVA members, along with representatives from various associations and foreign embassies, were among those present at the ceremony.
Although Remembrance Day is traditionally observed on Nov 11 to mark the end of World War I, many countries hold commemorative ceremonies on the closest weekend for wider public participation.
PVA president Kenneth Speldewinde said this year’s ceremony marked the 24th time the association has held the observance at the current site.
“The Cenotaph, built in 1929 to commemorate victims of World War I, stands as an important symbolic place during Remembrance Day. It is here that we gather publicly to express our honour, remembrance and deep respect for the countless service personnel and civilians, both from Commonwealth nations and Malaysia, who endured the major wars and conflicts that shaped this nation: World War I and II, the two Emergency periods, and the Indonesian Confrontation.
“It is also here that we reflect on the hardships, despair, losses and sacrifices experienced by our fellow human beings throughout times of conflict and war.
“Indeed, war is the darkest stain on humanity. Yet, from these trying times emerged extraordinary resourcefulness, resilience, strength and bravery, the will to survive, overcome and emerge victorious.
“We pray that our nation and its people will never again face such suffering, but instead continue to prosper in peace and stability,” he said in his speech.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended as the guest of honour, expressed his appreciation to PVA for their steadfast commitment to organising the ceremony for the past 24 years.
“This year marks eighty years since the end of the Second World War in 1945, and thirty-six years since the conclusion of the Malaysian Communist Insurgency in 1989, these two chapters in history marked by unimaginable hardship, fear and upheaval.
“During these darkest times, our soldiers and countless brave individuals stepped forward, demonstrating extraordinary courage to defend our nation’s freedom, peace and sovereignty.
“Many never returned. Many returned injured, changed or burdened. Many families were forever altered.
“Their sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay but what we can, and must, do is pause our busy lives, come together as a community and honour them.
“We remember their service, we cherish their sacrifices, and we thank them for what they continue to represent today,” Chow said.
Also present were Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, the Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur Charge d’Affaires Mudita Bajracharya, and British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur director of trade and investment Richard Colley.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Law Suun Ting