KUALA LUMPUR: Veterans attending the Remembrance Day Service at Tugu Negara remember their service fondly and with a sense of duty and love for their country
Lieutenant Colonel (R) Amreek Singh, who served in the Royal Ranger Regiments, recalled his time fighting the communist insurgency.
"We saw a lot of action in Sarawak. The last enemy engagement by the 1st Rangers was in 1979," he said.
Despite the hardships, Amreek spoke passionately about his military career, which included being an instructor at the Royal Military College.
"I have always been passionate about the army; it is my life. From my school days to today, it is in my blood."
He highlighted the often-overlooked role of the military during peacetime.
"During peacetime, nobody often overlook the reason for peace: soldiers guarding the frontiers."
He also mentioned the challenges veterans face after service.
"Many soldiers, after serving for 21 years, are still relatively young when they leave the military.
"In terms of qualifications, they feel they do not have much," he said, adding that financial concerns remain an issue.
Despite these challenges, he remains grateful.
"I have been very happy. God has been kind to me."
He shared his personal philosophy: "My motivation in life is to study. From the cradle to the grave, never stop studying."
After a two-year hiatus, Remembrance Day returned to Tugu Negara to honour those who served in both World Wars and other conflicts.
Penang Veterans' Association president Kenneth Speldwinde stressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by past generations.
"We try to promote and spread awareness among young people that peace is not to be taken for granted. Peace is something that we all have to aim and work towards."
Speldwinde's father, a wartime intelligence officer, was one of the founding members of the association, which allows both armed service veterans and civilians to join.
His father operated behind enemy lines during the Japanese occupation, assisted by the Orang Asli in Tapah.
For Speldwinde, who is not a veteran, such services are a poignant reminder of his parents' wartime struggles.
"Life was at risk. You didn't know when you would get your next meal or feel secure again."
Vice-president Christie Thomas, who served in the navy, shared similar sentiments.
"The younger generation doesn't know how we gained independence or how many soldiers died to protect this country.
"Without these soldiers, we wouldn't have a peaceful life now. It's only because of their sacrifices that we have peace."
Reflecting on his own service, Thomas said: "My friends and I joined the navy to defend our country."
He recalled seeing the realities of service growing up and how that instilled appreciation in him and his peers for those who served.
"A helicopter landing at Penang Polo Ground, carrying people who are injured, legs amputated (during the Emergency) — these scenes opened our eyes.
"But generations today don't see that. They take everything for granted."
His message to the current generation was: "No matter the cost, we must defend our country."