SEREMBAN, Sept 2 — Interest in military uniforms can be used as a ‘bridge’ to bring the younger generation closer to the history of the struggle and sacrifices of previous security personnel in defending the country.
Persatuan Peminat Sejarah Pahlawan (PSP) secretary Sergeant Ammar Kamaruddin said the approach was seen to be effective because interest in uniforms, especially among the younger generation, could be developed into an understanding of the history of the security forces and the struggle to defend the homeland.
“From these uniforms we can introduce history, including the history of World War II and the forces involved and through them we can cultivate their interest in history. So PSP can plant good seeds so that they love the country more.
“Children like uniforms, as do parents who bring their children to see the uniforms of the army, navy and so on, from that interest we try to get them to know history,” he told Bernama after participating in the Negeri Sembilan National Day celebration here, yesterday.
He said the association took the approach of participating in various programmes related to history and military, including the celebration of Heroes’ Day and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Day by displaying uniforms and explaining their history and use according to the times.
Ammar, who is also a member of the Territorial Army, said the face-to-face approach allowed the public to not only see the uniforms but also know the year and the forces that used them.
He said the association had more than 20 members from various backgrounds including former military personnel, police and private sector workers.
Meanwhile, he said a total of 17 members of the association including seven members of the 1st Malaysian Infantry Brigade (1 Bgd) participated in the National Day celebration parade at the Negeri Sembilan level yesterday, wearing their own uniforms.
“We have actually participated in the celebration in Negeri Sembilan since last year. This participation is part of a non-governmental organisation and an invitation from the MAF to enliven the event,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said efforts to introduce history to the younger generation are important to ensure that the services and sacrifices of past security personnel are not forgotten.
He said some of the association members have family backgrounds of former military personnel, including fathers who had participated in operations and had to leave their families to carry out their duties.
“History is important for the current generation so that they remember the struggles of the past. We want them to know how difficult and tiring the past people were to fight to gain independence and defend the country.
“We need to appreciate the past fighters and always maintain harmony between races because the struggle to defend the country involves various races,” he said.
He said the Orang Asli community should also not be forgotten in the narrative of the country’s defence history because they also played a role in helping to defend the country in the past.
He said that apart from participating in various programmes, the association also assisted in several military-related film productions by providing uniforms and references involving security forces. — Bernama
