KUCHING: Veterans yearn to be remembered for their services to the country.
Malaysia Veteran Army Association’s Lundi branch committee member Jimmy Junit said there is no other thing the veterans hope for other than their sacrifices being commemorated.
“This is important so that the younger generation understand and learn the struggle that led to our independence today.
“At the same time, we need to be proud, because without these veterans, we will not enjoy the freedom and prosperity like we do today,” he said after the Malaya and Borneo Veterans Australia and New Zealand Commemoration Day here on Monday (Aug 28).
He added that the military’s responsibility is not only during war time but is continuing to this very day.
“This can be proven through the army’s service of keeping the peace along the country’s border,” he said.
In the meantime, Anthony Cemeron, the son of the Vice President of the South Australia and Northern Territory Branch of the Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association Don Cameron, who attended the memorial described it as a great experience.
“I have learned so much about history of Sarawak and Malaysia and the things that happened after World War 2.
“The plaque that lists 11 Australian soldiers who had fallen is also a great thing because even though they have left us, their names will always be remembered,” he said.
He hopes that veterans will continue to come here for the commemoration day for as long as they can.
“It is also good for their children and grandchildren to learn more about what happened throughout that period,” he added.
