IPOH, Aug 10 — Do you still remember names such as Ali, Siti, Muthu, Jarjit Singh and Ah Meng that often appeared in our primary school textbooks once upon a time?
Those names, once so familiar to earlier generations, seem to bring back memories of friendship, unity and a spirit of togetherness in an independent nation.
That nostalgia was also felt by a group of senior citizens at Halaman Suri Sejahtera Negeri Perak, as this year’s National Month celebrations took them back to their childhood days and, although decades have passed, memories of celebrating Merdeka (Independence) remain fresh in their minds.
The waving of the Jalur Gemilang and the sound of patriotic songs once again evoked memories of Merdeka celebrations among the group of senior citizens at Halaman Suri Sejahtera Negeri Perak, bringing back the nostalgia etched in their memories.
With great enthusiasm, the senior citizens sang Merdeka-themed songs together, made Jalur Gemilang flags and took part in a flag-assembling game during activities held at the community centre, demonstrating that their love for the country has never faded with age.
For 60-year-old Bhajan Singh, from Gunung Rapat, the activities organised by the community centre are not merely a way to fill his free time, but also an opportunity to reminisce about celebrating National Day during his childhood.
He said the opportunity to get together with his friends from various races also rekindled the spirit of unity that forms the basis of the country’s harmony.
“Although I am getting older, my love for the country remains strong. My memories of celebrating the National Day for the first time are still fresh in my mind, although I was only a child at that time,” he told Bernama recently.
Seventy-five-year-old Jaharah Hashim, from Manong, Kuala Kangsar, said the activities at the centre gave senior citizens the opportunity to forge friendships while putting their minds to the test.
“In the past, we would simply wave the Jalur Gemilang, but now it is more enjoyable because we get to get together with so many friends. Although I am a senior citizen, my enthusiasm for celebrating the National Day has never faded,” she said.
For 64-year-old retired teacher P. Asokan, from Lahat here, the activities were truly meaningful as they brought together people from different ethnic backgrounds to appreciate the meaning of Merdeka.
“When I come here, I see Malays, Chinese and Indians all enthusiastically celebrating the National Day. This is the spirit that must continue to be nurtured so that we always appreciate the blessings of independence and national unity,” he said.
Meanwhile, programme coordinator Nur Hayatulasna Mohamed Fishal said the National Day-themed programme was held for the first time at the community centre as an effort to foster the spirit of patriotism among senior citizens.
She said various activities had been organised, including singing patriotic songs, making Jalur Gemilang flags with Pos Malaysia and a flag-assembling game.
“Although it was held on a small scale, we hope this programme can inspire the spirit of Merdeka among the participants and strengthen ties within the community.
“Their age is advancing, and their strength may have diminished, but their gratitude for the blessings of independence and love for the country remain unwavering, proving that patriotism knows no age,” she said.
‘Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati’ (Malaysia Madani: Shared Prosperity), which has been selected as the theme for the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM 2026) celebrations, among other things, emphasises that the country’s prosperity should be enjoyed fairly and comprehensively by everyone for the sake of shared harmony. — Bernama
