Merdeka..
During this whole month of August, also known as the Merdeka month, you will see most Malaysians express their patriotism and love towards their culturally unique country by raising the Malaysian flag on their vehicles, balcony of their homes and even along the streets! It is also during this time that government buildings all over Kuala Lumpur and most shopping malls are hoisted with the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang.
The whole build up towards Malaysia’s Independence Day is celebrated with pride and joy .
Every year there is a specific theme for Independence Day. Previous years, the themes were “My Glorious Malaysia”, “1Malaysia: Transforming the Nation”, “55 Years of Independence: Promises Fulfilled” and etc.
These themes will be reflected in the decorations and focus for Independence Day that year.
This year is theme is " Disini lahirnya Cinta (it is from here the Love is born)
In short, Independence Day serves as a reminder to all Malaysians to appreciate the tough fight our ancestors had fought and to educate the current generation about the spirit of Independence.
Known for its showcase of the country’s multicultural heritage, this year’s Merdeka Day parade took different tone and instead appeared almost to be a display of Malaysia’s military might.
It starts with the arrival of the King and Queen, the national anthem is played and the Malaysian song.The crowd goes silent for a moment to pay respect when the national song is being played, some were singing along. It reminded me of my school days and it has been a long time since I have sang the song.
After that the famous Merdeka song was sung - "Tanggal 31, bulan 8 1957, by late Sudirman" and the silent crowd burst the silence with waving the flag and singing along loudly.I could feel the merdeka vibes flowing inside me.
Eventually the event starts with national army band marching in, followed by other groups of people representing from the goverment departments, public and private sectors, school bands, people in multi cultural dresses, soldiers, policeman and women, fireman, sailors, special troops of the army, traffic policemen and women,and behind them, uniformed soldiers marching in lock-step with weapons held high in salute.
In place of dancers in colourful traditional costumes, the avenue in front of the historic Merdeka Square here was swathed in olive drab as contingents of battle tanks and armoured vehicles trundled down the street and also the skies with the jets, planes and helpcopters.
The icy display was perhaps a reflection of the tragedies that have befallen the nation in recent months, as though the aviation disasters of MH370 and MH17 have strengthened the nation’s resolve but also hardened its soul.
Still, it did not stop thousands of Malaysians from thronging the Merdeka Square and its vicinity, waving the Jalur Gemilang with gusto as the procession went on. Curious little kids first time at the parade watch with amusement but it gets bored as time goes by.
But even the crowd hinted at what was ailing the nation.
On a day that the country commemorates the independence jointly won from the British by its various communities 57 years ago, those gathered to mark the occasion were overwhelmingly. There also foreigners scattered within the crowd who came to view the spectacle.
It's the mark of 57 years and she got her independence in 1957.
The whole build up towards Malaysia’s Independence Day is celebrated with pride and joy .
Every year there is a specific theme for Independence Day. Previous years, the themes were “My Glorious Malaysia”, “1Malaysia: Transforming the Nation”, “55 Years of Independence: Promises Fulfilled” and etc.
These themes will be reflected in the decorations and focus for Independence Day that year.
This year is theme is " Disini lahirnya Cinta (it is from here the Love is born)
In short, Independence Day serves as a reminder to all Malaysians to appreciate the tough fight our ancestors had fought and to educate the current generation about the spirit of Independence.
Known for its showcase of the country’s multicultural heritage, this year’s Merdeka Day parade took different tone and instead appeared almost to be a display of Malaysia’s military might.
It starts with the arrival of the King and Queen, the national anthem is played and the Malaysian song.The crowd goes silent for a moment to pay respect when the national song is being played, some were singing along. It reminded me of my school days and it has been a long time since I have sang the song.
After that the famous Merdeka song was sung - "Tanggal 31, bulan 8 1957, by late Sudirman" and the silent crowd burst the silence with waving the flag and singing along loudly.I could feel the merdeka vibes flowing inside me.
Eventually the event starts with national army band marching in, followed by other groups of people representing from the goverment departments, public and private sectors, school bands, people in multi cultural dresses, soldiers, policeman and women, fireman, sailors, special troops of the army, traffic policemen and women,and behind them, uniformed soldiers marching in lock-step with weapons held high in salute.
In place of dancers in colourful traditional costumes, the avenue in front of the historic Merdeka Square here was swathed in olive drab as contingents of battle tanks and armoured vehicles trundled down the street and also the skies with the jets, planes and helpcopters.
The icy display was perhaps a reflection of the tragedies that have befallen the nation in recent months, as though the aviation disasters of MH370 and MH17 have strengthened the nation’s resolve but also hardened its soul.
Still, it did not stop thousands of Malaysians from thronging the Merdeka Square and its vicinity, waving the Jalur Gemilang with gusto as the procession went on. Curious little kids first time at the parade watch with amusement but it gets bored as time goes by.
But even the crowd hinted at what was ailing the nation.
On a day that the country commemorates the independence jointly won from the British by its various communities 57 years ago, those gathered to mark the occasion were overwhelmingly. There also foreigners scattered within the crowd who came to view the spectacle.
It's the mark of 57 years and she got her independence in 1957.
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