Anzac Day 2023: Remembering the fallen heroes

SANDAKAN: The World War 2 ended 78 years ago, but the sacrifices of those who died in the war are still being remembered.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said in those days, young men and women were required to serve their country. 

"They came to the front line, leaving their families and loved ones behind to serve in a foreign land.

"As time passes by, we should never forget their services. Even if the monuments are the only thing left, their bravery and courage must be remembered and honoured at all times," he said at the Anzac Day 2023 welcoming reception in a hotel here.

Anzac stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and Anzac Day is observed internationally on April 25 each year.

In Sandakan, the annual event is held to remember and honour the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died here, as well as the civilians who assisted them during the infamous Death Marches seven decades ago.

"Anzac Day is a sacred event for all of us as we remember our heroes who served heroically, full of dedication and grit, and many had given up their lives in an unknown land in order to bring peace to the world. No words can describe the ultimate sacrifice made by these young men and women.

"Some of you have taken the initiative to be here, especially for Anzac Day. Others from all over the world visit the Sandakan Memorial Park to learn about our past. It has become one of the most frequented parks in Sabah, with 7,693 foreigners visiting it last year alone. 

"Seventy-eight years after the WW2 ended, we gather here again in Sandakan and we are blessed to be able to commemorate our fallen heroes."

Joachim, who represented Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, laid a wreath at the Sandakan Memorial Park in Sibuga Forest Reserve in commemoration of Anzac Day today.

Present were Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Dr Justin Lee, his spouse and 61 Australian visitors.

More than 2,400 Australian and British prisoners of war were held in a camp in Sandakan, not far from the memorial park.

Of the 1,066 who made the three "Death Marches" to Ranau, more than 260km from Sandakan, only six survived. The rest died in the Ranau and Sandakan prisoners of war camps.

Related Articles