Remembering the war heroes

Remembering the war heroes

Story by Chan Lilian
Pix by Shum Jian-Wei

CENOTAPH at the Esplanade is the gathering point for the annual Remembrance Day for war veterans.

On Nov 15, a solemn but dignified ceremony took place early in the morning as the sun was rising on the horizon.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng delivered a speech and welcomed the guests and veterans.
“I appreciate your attendance today to The Annual Remembrance Day Ceremony especially all those who have come from outside Penang. I am told there are veterans even coming from as far away as Johor Baru. Your attendance shows the gratitude and honour you have for the fallen heroes,” he said.

“This year marks the 101st year since the start of hostilities in World War 1 in 1914. It is also the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Although we are lucky that there has been no major world war after World War II, military and armed conflicts have not ceased to date with unnecessary loss of human life,” Lim added.

“Their invaluable courage and sacrifice has made it possible for us to live in peace and enjoy freedom. We are grateful to these heroes and let us remember and honour them irrespective of who they are or where they came from,” he said while paying tribute to the fallen heroes.

“Let us ensure that there will be no wars or violence. If there are to be wars, let us wage war on poverty, ignorance, discrimination, extremism and corruption,” he said to the applause and agreement of the people at the ceremony.

The event has been organised by the Persatuan Veteran Keselamatan Pulau Pinang for the last 14 years and Penang will continue to support them as in the past.}