The PVA remembers the fallen heroes in the annual ceremony at the Cenotaph. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
A CROWD of 400 gathered at the Cenotaph (Penang War Memorial) along the Esplanade in George Town to honour the fallen heroes on World Remembrance Day.
The annual event held by Penang Veterans’ Association (PVA) was in remembrance of those who had sacrificed their lives during World War I, World War II, Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation and other armed conflicts.
While the annual Remembrance Day is observed on Nov 11 to recall the end of World War I, many countries choose to hold it on the closest weekend to the date.
Many who came as early as 7am for the event, laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence.
PVA members and representatives from various associations and embassies kicked off the ceremony by singing Negaraku followed by the reading of the ode, music by St Xavier’s Institution Brass Band and two minutes of silence – one minute to remember the fallen and one minute to thank those who returned.
Association president Kenneth Speldewinde said this is a day when one takes the time to reflect on the sacrifices and hardships that the military and police personnel as well as civilians underwent in the two world wars and other national conflicts in order to preserve the peace and stability of our sovereign nation.
“We are here to remember and honour our fallen heroes who fell fighting in the line of duty in armed conflicts that had befallen our country.
“All of them without doubt went through unimaginable mental and physical pain and hardships.
“We take time today to remember and honour them and appreciate the peace and stability that we have now,” he said in his speech at the event.
Speldewinde said the Cenotaph stands as a beautiful symbol of sacrifice and determination that the men and women, the fallen heroes and veterans carried out to defend the peace of the nation.
“This year marks the 110th year since the beginning of World War I, which began in 1914 and chimed its final bell on the 11th hour of Nov 11, 1918.
“The Cenotaph here was erected in 1922 to commemorate and honour all their lives, and sacrifices rendered by these soldiers and security forces from the army, navy and air force.
“We are here to honour their services and pay our respects to them for the times of peace that we now have as it has been built on the blood and lives of the men and women who defended our nation in conflict,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was guest of honour at the event, placed the first wreath at the Cenotaph before some 50 others.
Chow in his speech said it was a privilege being invited and given the opportunity to address the veterans, members of the defence forces, diplomatic corps and the public at the solemn ceremony.
“Our beloved Penang, despite of its petite size, is not isolated from the perishes of world wars.
“From the sinking of two Allied Naval Vessels in the ‘Battle of Penang’ to the ‘Battle of Malaya’, and the Alied Bombing Campaign of Penang in 1944 and later 1945, to the Malayan Emergency, Penang has experienced its fair share of the horrors and atrocities of war.
“The people suffered greatly with the loss of public order, mass looting and even crimes against humanity.
“Such tragedies that we, the current generation of Penang, could never begin to imagine,” he said.
Chow said Penang now is a far cry from those times of war.
“We owe this peace that we have today to the courage and great sacrifices of all the servicemen and women, and our veterans in defending the nation and its people.
“Unfortunately, regional conflicts and foreign occupations still rage on in several parts of the world till this day.
“Therefore, it is of utmost importance for us to remain united in maintaining peace, strengthening solidarity and contributing to greater heights.
“As we move forward, we must look back and remember the contributions and services of the veterans that upheld the freedom and sovereignty of our country.
“This solemn ceremony at the Penang Cenotaph serves as a reminder to honour their bravery and sacrifices and that war should be avoided at all costs,” he said.
PVA was established in 2001 and since, has been catering to the welfare of its members and activities for the veterans.
