Early yesterday (Sunday Nov 16), guests gathered at the cenotaph at the Esplanade to honour the fallen heroes of World War II.
The solemn ceremony, organised by the Penang Veterans’ Association (PVA), has been held for the past 24 years in conjunction with World Remembrance Day.
Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow was present, along with representatives from the armed forces of Australia, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, and several other countries.
“This year marks eighty years since the end of the Second World War in 1945, and thirty-six years since the conclusion of the Malaysian Communist Insurgency in 1989. These two chapters in history were marked by unimaginable hardship, fear and upheaval.
“Their sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay. But what we can—and must—do is pause our busy lives, come together as a community, and honour them.
“We remember their service, we cherish their sacrifices, and we thank them for what they continue to represent today,” Chow said.
The Chief Minister later laid a wreath at the cenotaph, followed by other dignitaries in attendance.