Remains of 32 Aussie heroes, family members begin journey home

MALACCA: A cold morning at the Terendak Camp in Sungai Udang here today was transformed into a warm and pleasant event as about 400 Malaysian soldiers gave a final salute to the remains of 32 Australian soldiers and their families who began their journey home to their loved ones residing Down Under.
Also present to offer farewell and warm wishes to the soldiers and family members were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia Dr Angela Macdonald.
Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Commander Mej Gen Datuk Tengku Ahmad Noor Tuan Chik and Malaysian Army Third Infantry Division Commander Mej Gen Hasagaya Abdullah also gave their final salute during the 30-minute event which began at 8.30am.
The send-off marks the beginning of a four-day "coming home" journey for the 24 gallant heroes and eight family members, where the remains are scheduled for an official handing-over ceremony at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base in Subang today.
The heroes and family members, who died during the Vietnam War and Malayan Emergency and were laid to rest at the Commonwealth War Graves in Terendak Camp, will return to a warm homecoming at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Richmond, Sydney on June 2, in a national level military ceremony. – Bernama