The Anti-War Memorial Monument, Air Itam Roundabout was a hive of activity when large crowds gathered to observe the end of World War 11.
Leading the ceremony was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai who represented the Chief Minister of Penang.
Also present was Deputy Finance Minister YB Lim Hui Ying who is also the MP for Tanjong, former Penang Chief Minister, YB Lim Guan Eng (Member of Parliament for Bagan and assemblyman for Air Putih), Ayer Itam assemblyman YB Joseph Ng among others.
“Today, we gather here at the Anti-War Memorial Monument for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a solemn and meaningful occasion to pay tribute to the fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
“This annual memorial service has been held for over 70 years to honour the approximately 3,000 Overseas Chinese mechanics who courageously returned to China to fight alongside the Allied army against the invading Japanese forces, as well as to remember the countless citizens in Malaya who perished during the war,” said Wong.
The gathering also saw state leaders and community representatives coming together to lay wreaths before this monument, first erected in the early 1950s.
“That chapter of history, written in blood and sweat, remains forever engraved in our collective memory. Though many of these mechanics endured hunger, illness, and the constant threat of death, they never gave up. When the war finally ended, many of them had already fallen, buried in the rugged mountains of the Dian-Mian Road (Border of Burma-China) but their spirit eternal,” he shared.
He added that this is a history worthy of remembrance and reverence due to the courage, sacrifice and dedication continue to inspire us today.
“Though peace prevails, the echoes of history still resound in our hearts, reminding us that peace was hard-won and must be cherished. The cruelty and devastation of war must never be forgotten, lest humanity repeat the same mistakes.
“Let us honour their legacy by transforming remembrance into action by continuing to work for peace, for justice, and for the betterment of our society and our nation. May the noble spirit of the mechanics and all who perished during the war live on forever undying and everlasting,” added Wong.