KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — A memorial ceremony to keep in mind the individuals who died throughout World War II when Malaya was occupied by colonial Japanese forces will probably be held on the second Sunday of January beginning this yr as an alternative of on January 11.
Malaysia World War II History Society chairman Lee Ying Wai mentioned the brand new date was made to standardise the commemoration, after a number of adjustments through the years.
World War II History Society of Malaysia chairman Lee Ying Wai. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The KL Remembrance Day began in 1995 when a number of Chinese organisations within the Klang Valley received collectively on August 15 to commemorate the victims of the colonial Japanese forces in the course of the Second World War that led to 1945.
“August 15 symbolises Japan’s unconditional give up, marking the top of the struggle and the daybreak of peace.
“But in case you have a look at the graveyard, it’s truly speaking in regards to the victims. All these victims have been killed within the first three months when the Japanese occupied Kuala Lumpur. Hence, we modified it to January,” Lee mentioned in his speech throughout at present’s KL Remembrance Day on the Hokkien cemetery right here.
He mentioned the occasion has been held constantly yearly over the previous 28 years besides for three events due to the Covid-19 pandemic, when bodily motion and journey have been restricted.
He defined that the date was chosen to pay tribute to the fighters — together with British, Australian, New Zealand, and Indian troopers — and civilians who misplaced their lives from January 14, 1942 when the colonial Japanese forces first landed in Malaya to the Axis power’s give up in 1945.
He mentioned the Remembrance Day doesn’t solely serve to honour the sacrifices of victims and civilians throughout World War II, however to additionally elevate consciousness among the many youthful technology.
“In the previous, we used to invite college students over throughout Remembrance Day, however since we’ve got moved it to January it’s a bit tough to collect them in such a brief interval after faculty holidays.
“Hence, we’re planning to give talks and seminars in Chinese unbiased colleges which purpose to have interaction the youth within the historic narrative, making certain the perpetuation of remembrance for future generations,” he mentioned.
Remembrance Day serves to honour the sacrifices of victims and civilians throughout World War II, and lift consciousness among the many youthful technology. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
With international wars and conflicts inflicting immense struggling, displacing hundreds of thousands, exacerbating poverty, starvation, and triggering a worldwide meals disaster, he referred to as for unity throughout areas and nations.
“In at present’s world, the decision for peace is extra pressing than ever. Let’s unite throughout areas and nations, working collectively for peace,” Lee mentioned.
Today’s KL Remembrance Sunday noticed the attendance of greater than 30 native navy veterans and representatives from the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Kwong Tong Cemetery, the United Kingdom and the Chinese Embassy.
