WWII Memorial Park has great significance — Lai

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A group photo with the family members of the victims before the blessing ceremony.

A group photo with the family members of the victims before the blessing ceremony.

Lai pays his last respects to the victims after laying a wreath on the tomb.

Lai pays his last respects to the victims after laying a wreath on the tomb.

MIRI: The Second World War (WWII) Memorial Park should serve as a reminder to everyone on the importance of forgiveness and compassion and that nothing is more important than living in peace and harmony.

Mayor Lawrence Lai said this on Sunday during the blessing ceremony of the recently restored memorial park.

“The reason why Miri City Council supported the restoration project was, firstly, to remind our people on the sufferings caused by war. The restoration of Second World War Memorial Park is an effort in remembrance of the 28 victims who, according to history, were brutally executed in a self dug common grave.

“Their remains were exhumed and buried in this tomb some 70 years ago. This is the message we must send to the whole world, that we must value and treasure peace at all cost.”

The blessing ceremony was led by Right Reverend Bishop Solomon Cheong with prayers, followed by the ‘Amazing Grace’ hymn by a choir.

Also present were Datuk Sri Temenggong Lee Sie Tong, Golden Hill Memorial Park Miri managing director Albert Chan and family members and relatives of the victims.

The restoration work started in middle of August this year and was completed towards the end of October. The cost of RM150,000 was borne by Miri City Council, Golden Hill Memorial Park Bhd and an anonymous donor.

Lai revealed that the memorial park would be managed and maintained by Golden Hill for a year, before it is officially handed over to MCC on Nov 1, 2016.