Serene moment at Memorial Day
SANDAKAN: The shared wartime history between Malaysia, Australia and Britain is a reminder of not only the sacrifice and endurance of those who perished but also the loss and longing of family members.
“Today marks the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War Two. We remember the prisoners-of-war and what history tells us they endured at this very site and on the death marches to Ranau,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman said in his speech during Sandakan Day Memorial at the Sandakan Memorial Park yesterday.
“On this serene morning in this memorial park, we pause to reflect our continued desire for freedom and peace, and remind ourselves that there is nothing noble about wars.
“We also remember the local communities who took risks and lost their lives in helping the Allied Forces soldiers,” Musa said.
“Today, we enjoy peace in our respective countries. It is my hope that the peace we have will never be compromised by wars and disputes.
“There is much to learn from the painful history that we share. Let us all uphold unity and peace in our respective countries and let us not let the sacrifices of those before us be in vain,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Raymond Tan Shu Kiah. Meanwhile, Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk James Wong said the loss of those Australian and British Prisoners of War and the local people who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our future freedom, should always remain in our collective memories.
“As we continue to honour their memory and recognize their sacrifice, we also ensure that future generation will continue to appreciate the sacrifices of these fallen heroes and the true meaning of the words “Lest We Forget”,” Wong said.
The special friendships that have grown out of this tragedy should and will always be continued, he added.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Rod Smith, British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Pang Nyuk Min, Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Karamunting Assemblyman Datuk Charles O. Pang.
Source: New Sabah Times m
