Last year, I had the opportunity to take part in the Merdeka Day celebrations at

Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. The nation was celebrating its 51st year of
independence. It was on August 31, 1957 that on then Chief Minister, Tunku
Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, opened Stadium Merdeka. It was a day of fun and
great excitement. We had arrived quite early. Security and policemen got into
position to welcome the delegates and representatives of various countries.

The two-hour parade kicked off at 8 a.m. with thousands of people flocking to the
square to see the parade. The place was packed with locals and also tourists sitting
on both sides of the path waiting to cheer their leaders. The King and Queen
arrived with their entourage. People began to applaud and scream `Merdeka!' as
helicopters billowed out the colors of the flag.

Dignitaries including the Prime Ministers of Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines,

Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia graced the occasion. There was representation from
US, UK, Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan and other countries. 'Malaysiaku Gemilang'
(My Glorious Malaysia) was the theme of the event. The national anthem started
and everybody sang with lot of passion and sentiment. Parade participants held up
their right hands as they recited the National Oath.

Along with other students, I had assembled on the field of the state stadium. Some
of my friends who were in the school band took part in the march past. I was in the
cultural troupe, performing cultural dances in front of thousands of spectators from
all walks of life. It was a proud moment for all taking part.

After the performances, the Merdeka Day parade commenced. This was not only
confined to Kuala Lumpur only. Simultaneously the national flag raising campaign
began throughout the country. It had become a tradition for Malaysians, including
those in rural areas, to display the-nation's flag at their houses, office premises,
shopping complexes, and even stalls by the roadside. Mini flagpoles were also
attached to automobile roofs.

People turned out in droves, waving miniature Malaysian flags and singing as
bands played songs at the Merdeka parade. The parade was made up of delegations
representing hundreds of organizations, including government agencies,
enforcement authorities and companies. The Guest of Honour inspected the parade
and took the salute from the grandstand. Present were Chief Ministers, state
cabinet ministers, members of the parliament and state legislative assembly, senior
government servants and community leaders.

It was indeed an event to rejoice, celebrate and be part of a historic moment. These
words aptly sum up a nation solemnizing its 51 years of independence.