KOTA KINABALU: It is important that the present generation appreciate those who had fought for peace and saved the nation, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
"These war heroes had sacrificed their lives to defend Sabah's sovereignty and Malaysia's, so that future generations could have a better future," he said after a ceremony commemorating Australian and New Zealand soldiers who had fought and died in Sabah during World War II.
"This (Anzac Day) ceremony is not for fun. It serves as a reminder to us, especially the younger generation, of how important their sacrifice was to save our country.
"We can emulate them (the war heroes) in our struggle to strengthen the country in terms of politics, unity and development.
"This is the meaning of the ultimate sacrifice made by these war heroes if it is translated into our lives today," he said at the North Borneo War Monument along Jalan Tugu, here.
The monument was built in May 1923. It was originally a memorial for British soldiers who died in World War 1.
Kitingan, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, laid a wreath at the foot of the monument. He was followed by representatives of the Australian High Commission and New Zealand High Commission.
"On behalf of the chief minister, I am very grateful for all the help from Australia and New Zealand during WW2. We were saved by the soldiers who died in their efforts to save Sabah (then known as North Borneo).
"Commemorating Anzac Day is our responsibility so that their sacrifices are not in vain," he added.
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. It commemorates Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".
In Kota Kinabalu, Anzac Day is held every April 24 at the North Borneo War Monument in front of the City Hall building.
