Hundreds gather to honour fallen heroes
GEORGE TOWN:
Although the last World War ended decades ago, the sacrifices of the fallen heroes are never forgotten.
Hundreds of people from near and far attended the 17th annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph in Esplanade, Penang yesterday to honour our fallen heroes.
The event was organised by the Penang Veterans’ Association (PVA) to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, and other armed conflicts.
PVA president Mej (R) R. Sivarajan urged the people not to take free- dom for granted as it was gained through unbelievable courage, bravery and hardship.
“Freedom gives us the right to act, speak, think or practise our religion as we want without hindrance or restraint within the confines of our law.
“You will not miss freedom until you lose it,” he said in his opening speech.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the freedom we enjoy today was due to the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.
“Let us remember them by ending all wars of violence.
“Let us declare war only on ignorance, poverty, discrimination, racism, hatred, extremism and corrup- tion!” he said.
Memory of the war is still fresh for James Jeremiah, who is the only surviving World War II veteran.
“I joined the volunteer force in 1940. I had to carry dead bodies and guard banks and big companies.
“I was very lucky. They could have killed me,” the 94-year-old war veteran said
Meanwhile, the Sri Dasmesh Pipe Band, a Sikh marching band, also performed at the ceremony. The band was made up of 12 members aged between 13 and 56.
Band member Roshnee Kaur Kesh said she had goosebumps while performing here at the memorial service for the first time.
“I am very excited and I would like to know more about our history,” the 16-year-old student said.
The youngest band member Jyotsaroop Kaur, 13, said it was also the first memorial that she performed in.
“It is very interesting as it is different from what we usually do,” the student said.
The ceremony ended with the representatives from the High Commissions of Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, the Consul Embassy of Nepal, members of the Royal Australian Army and Air Force, Malaysian Armed Forces and other guests of honour laying wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph as a symbol of appreciation to the fallen soldiers.