SANDAKAN: Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce AC yesterday led the Sandakan Day Memorial Service in honour of prisoners of war who perished in the infamous death marches from here to Ranau during the World War Two.
This is the first time that an Australian governor-general has come here to attend the annual service. This year, it marks the 65th anniversary of the end of the war.
At the ceremony yesterday, Bryce was joined by Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin and over 800 Australians and locals to lay the wreaths in remembrance of allied servicemen and Sabahans who died during the Japanese occupation.
“Many of their families and loved ones are here today too. Something extraordinary had sustained them, and something else extraordinary took over.
“With the nourishment, shelter and safety provided by local Sabahans, some of you are here with us now, these men were nursed back to life and health,” Bryce said in the ceremony.
Towards the end of WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army ordered prisoners of war to trek along 240km of treacherous terrain in a series of forced marches from here to Ranau, resulting in the deaths of 2,428 Australian and British servicemen.
This is the first time that an Australian governor-general has come here to attend the annual service. This year, it marks the 65th anniversary of the end of the war.
At the ceremony yesterday, Bryce was joined by Sabah deputy chief minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin and over 800 Australians and locals to lay the wreaths in remembrance of allied servicemen and Sabahans who died during the Japanese occupation.
“Many of their families and loved ones are here today too. Something extraordinary had sustained them, and something else extraordinary took over.
“With the nourishment, shelter and safety provided by local Sabahans, some of you are here with us now, these men were nursed back to life and health,” Bryce said in the ceremony.
Towards the end of WWII, the Japanese Imperial Army ordered prisoners of war to trek along 240km of treacherous terrain in a series of forced marches from here to Ranau, resulting in the deaths of 2,428 Australian and British servicemen.
Continue reading at: Sandakan Death March memorial service attended by Australian governor-general
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