Merdeka fireworks light up Chicago sky

CHICAGO: Malaysians here welcomed the 60th Merdeka anniversary in style with a cruise on Lake Michigan as fireworks lit up the night sky on Aug 26.

Revellers boarded the Free Spirit yacht at Burnham Harbour for three hours of fun.

They feasted on Malaysian fare, such as nasi biryani, fried noodles, yong tao foo and chee cheong fun, catered from popular Malaysian restaurant Asian Noodle House.

The event was organised by the Malaysian Club of Chicago (MCC) headed by Azelena Williams.

There was a raffle with gift vouchers for the top three winners, music by an architect singing golden oldies while keeping tune with his guitar even as the yacht took some deep dives in the choppy waters.

For Malaysians like Dr Kim K. Tee, Merdeka celebrations are always a journey back in time to childhood days.

“As a village boy growing up outside Batu Pahat (in Johor), I have always remembered Merdeka Day.

“We are living 14,500km from our homeland… freedom is not free. So, we are celebrating the sacrifices of the servicemen, past and present,” said Dr Tee.

Dr Tee, a surgeon, has been living in the United States for 35 years, and was a founding member of the MCC in 1999.

He serves on the advisory board of the Illinois State Secretary Jesse White, and is also the founder of the Chinese American Museum of Chicago.

For many who have lived in Chicago for decades, the night was reminiscent of the many Merdeka Day celebrations over the years in Kuala Lumpur that often came complete with fireworks display in Lake Gardens.

The Merdeka event in Chicago was attended by Malaysians living and working in the US, those who have become American citizens after decades of residence here.

They were accompanied by their non-Malaysian spouses who have melded into the group. By K.T. Arasu