KUALA LUMPUR: The Tugu Negara cenotaph was the backdrop today to a moving and somber Service of Remembrance to honour Malaysia's fallen heroes as well as that of other countries.
The service was attended by ex-servicemen and women, resplendent in their uniforms and medals.
The event was graced by the Duke of York Prince Andrew, who is also the grand president of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League.
The solemn event began with opening remarks by Malaysian Ex-British Army Association president Che Onn Neamat followed by three readings.
"Today, we remember the services of those who had fallen, who are being represented here today.
"This is a fitting location and recognisable monument across the Commonwealth, commemorating those who had lost their lives fighting for freedom in two world wars.
"You will note that there is an incription on the cenotaph added for the Malaysian soldiers who had fallen during the Emergency from 1948 to 1960, which says 'Untuk mengingati jasa pahlawan-pahlawan yang gugur' (To remember the service of fallen warriors," he said.
The "Last Post" was then played by a lone bugler, followed by a minute's silence, during which the flags of the United Kingdom and Malaysia were lowered to half mast.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held, with Prince Andrew placing the first wreath at the base of the Cenotaph.
There, ex-servicemen and women placed a total of 50 wreaths, taking their time to pay their respects, with some seen wiping the tears from their eyes as they bowed their heads.