Remembrance Day also serves to remind youths peace and stability enjoyed today due to services of earlier generations: Envoy
KUALA LUMPUR: Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, Malaysians and foreign guests gathered at Tugu Negara yesterday to honour the courage and sacrifices of those who served in global conflicts, from the two World Wars to present-day peacekeeping missions.
Hosted by the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, the annual Remembrance Day Service paid tribute to the bravery, sacrifice and enduring legacy of veterans, armed forces personnel and all who gave their lives for freedom and peace.
British High Commissioner Ajay Sharma said he was proud to host the event, underlining the importance of remembering those who made immense sacrifices.
“The reason for someone to return is never easy,” he said.
“There is pride in what the young and old did for our values, for our countries, for our future and humility for their service.
“There is also sorrow for the lives changed forever and immense gratitude for the peace, safety and opportunities their courage made possible.”
Reflecting on how these sacrifices continue to resonate today, he added that while 80 years have passed since the Second World War, armed forces personnel, allies, friends and partners around the world continue to risk their lives daily to uphold security, peace and stability.
“We should remember them, as well as heroes from previous wars, and thank them,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of engaging younger generations, he said anniversaries such as this are particularly relevant, as the freedoms, peace and stability enjoyed today were hard-won by earlier generations.
He also praised the spirit of reconciliation and community, pointing out that representatives from countries once at war now attend ceremonies together.
“It demonstrates how much we have moved on and our ability to build new relationships. This ceremony illustrates a sense of community across generations and Malaysia’s diversity.
“We have representatives here from different communities who fought for Malaysia, and it is wonderful to see everyone gathered to commemorate and honour their sacrifices.”
The service featured performances by The International School @ Park City, including In Flanders Fields, and readings of Rupert Brooke’s “The Soldier”, delivered by Mejar-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Zulkiflee Mazlan and Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est”, read by Lt-Kol (Rtd) Raymond Goh.
Following a two-minute silence to honour the fallen, the ceremony concluded with the traditional laying of wreaths at the monument’s base, a solemn tribute to those who gave their lives in the name of peace.
Representatives from numerous nations, including members of various high commissions and embassies, participated in the wreath-laying.
Ajay also emphasised the enduring significance of Remembrance Day, saying: “It is a moment to pause, to reflect on the immense courage and sacrifice of those who served and to honour them. As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we remember not only the fallen but also the resilience of communities and those engaged in the enduring pursuit of peace that followed. It is a time to stand together in gratitude, to learn from the past and to reaffirm our shared commitment to a peaceful future.”
Observed annually on the second Sunday of November, Remembrance Day unites communities across generations to commemorate the sacrifices of those who came before.
