Over 500 honour fallen war heroes in Labuan
Published on: Monday, November 12, 2018
Labuan: More than 500 people gathered at the World War II (WWII) Memorial ground here on Sunday to honour the fallen war heroes in Borneo.Compared to previous years, this year's event, to mark the 100th anniversary of Remembrance Day or widely known as "Poppy Day" since the First World War (WW1), witnessed a helicopter pass before the wreath-laying ceremony.The ceremony, a significant programme in Labuan's Calendar of Events, is held annually to commemorate the Allied Servicemen who gave their lives during the war.
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Adorned with red poppies on their chest, guests arrived at the memorial Sunday morning to pay respects to the 3,908 fallen soldiers who all lie in perfectly squared platoons, much alike how they would stand in salutation alive.Attendees witnessed the ceremony conducted in full military tradition to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes from Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, India and other Commonwealth countries.Respective Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Hindu religious rites were conducted to honour those who had fought selflessly for the liberation of Borneo.Wreaths in honour of the fallen were laid at the Stone of Remembrance led by Labuan MP Datuk Rozman Isli, followed by Labuan Corporation (LC) Chairman Datuk Seri Amir Hussein and local and foreign dignitaries.
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Among other significant and central elements of the Remembrance Day are the reversed arm (leaning on a weapon held upside down), the lone piper and flower of the forest, the sound of the last post and the moment of silence.Also present were Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia David Thomas and Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abd Samad.
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"Today we commemorate 100 years since the signing of the Armistice which ended the First World War back in 1918. "It is a day to remember and honour those who fought and served their countries in the two World Wars and later conflicts. We laud their comradeship and remember their sacrifice," said David.During the luncheon after the service, David highlighted the many remembrance activities conducted in London, including Prince Harry opening the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, the churchyard filled with 60,000 crosses laid in tribute to those who died in conflict."There is also the lighting of 10,000 burning torches at the Tower of London every night this past week until today (Sunday) and the launch of a new WW1 memorial at St Pancreas railway station."Not to forget the release of Peter Jackson's new film 'They Shall Not Grow Old', a war documentary which used cutting edge technology to restore and 'colour' old WW1 footage. "This took over a year to do and the result is described as breathtaking," he said.In total, there are 7,292 British and Commonwealth World War graves in 35 Commonwealth War Grave Commission locations across Malaysia and David lauded the Commission for keeping all the cemeteries in good condition.A plaque was also signed by David and Labuan Corporation CEO Datuk Azhar Ahmad to commemorate the occasion.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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