ID :
15996
Fri, 08/15/2008 - 14:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/15996
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HISTORY FORMS SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN AUSTRALIANS AND SABAHANS
SANDAKAN (Malaysia), Aug 15 (Bernama) - Special bonds have been formed between the people of east coast of Sabah-state and Australians whose family members served in North Borneo during World War Two more than 60 years ago.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Penny Williams said Friday theseties had become much more than just friendship.
"Although the events that we remember bring us together out of sadness, wonderful relationships have grown from this tragedy," she said at the SandakanDay Memorial Service here.
The Sandakan Memorial Day is celebrated on Aug 15 to remember Australian and British soldiers who died after being held as prisoners of war by the Japaneseat camps in Sandakan.
In January 1945, the Japanese army ordered 455 Australian and British prisoners of war to march from Sandakan to Ranau and in May 1945, another 800 were also made to do the same. Another 288 were left in the camp in Sandakan andlater died.
Williams said the Sandakan story was of men caring for their mates, ofendurance, and meeting death with courage.
"And as we reflect today, we can only hope that we have learnt from this cruel lesson of history and that it will never be repeated. We hope also that we can continue to work towards an Australia that is worthy of the sacrifice ofthose men," she added.
Present were Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Peter Pang, former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and British High Commission representative ColPaul Edward.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Penny Williams said Friday theseties had become much more than just friendship.
"Although the events that we remember bring us together out of sadness, wonderful relationships have grown from this tragedy," she said at the SandakanDay Memorial Service here.
The Sandakan Memorial Day is celebrated on Aug 15 to remember Australian and British soldiers who died after being held as prisoners of war by the Japaneseat camps in Sandakan.
In January 1945, the Japanese army ordered 455 Australian and British prisoners of war to march from Sandakan to Ranau and in May 1945, another 800 were also made to do the same. Another 288 were left in the camp in Sandakan andlater died.
Williams said the Sandakan story was of men caring for their mates, ofendurance, and meeting death with courage.
"And as we reflect today, we can only hope that we have learnt from this cruel lesson of history and that it will never be repeated. We hope also that we can continue to work towards an Australia that is worthy of the sacrifice ofthose men," she added.
Present were Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Peter Pang, former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and British High Commission representative ColPaul Edward.
