He was just 19 on Merdeka Day, and he remembers it well

Proclamation of Independence Ceremony. The lay-out of the ceremony at Stadium Merdeka. Taken from the stand of Stadium Merdeka, this photograph shows the lay-out of the ceremony of the Proclamation of Independence. Lining the perimeter of the stadium were boys and girls, men and women of many voluntary organisations, Photo: Arkib Negara Malaysia

Today our nation celebrates another anniversary of independence. I remember my involvement on that historic day: Saturday, Aug 31, 1957. I was 19 years old, full of enthusiasm and a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade. In conjunction with the Merdeka ceremony, the Brigade was assigned first aid duty in the covered area of the stadium.

The day started early. We had to report for duty at the newly-constructed stadium by 6am to be allotted our duties. My squad of four personnel took up position at the mid-level terrace near the path leading into the stadium from the main entrance. It was a good vantage point and I had a panoramic view of the stadium. The Victoria Institution clock tower provided a beautiful, and now iconic, background.