National Day celebration

“Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” Each year the shouts of independence echo from every nook and corner
of the country on August 31 to mark “Merdeka Day” or Independence Day. “Merdeka” celebration is held
throughout the country of Malaysia on the occasion of Malaysian Independence Day. The 31st day of August
witnesses a myriad of parades, cultural performances and street shows. Merdeka Celebrations have been held with
grandeur for over 50 years, since 1957. Celebrations include parades involving uniformed personnel, corporate
players, school children, cultural dancers, athletes and Malaysians from all walks of life.

The 'Merdeka Celebration' was a month long commemorative event which drew great participation
from all students in SMK Sultan Sulaiman. It was held successfully last weekend. Activities held during the
day were talks, marching band, exhibitions, community works, singing of patriotic songs and others.

The colourful and joyous one-hour parade marching past the road kicked off at about 8am. The participants
comprising of school band, students, and teachers. The parade started with marching band echoing the drum beats
of patriotic melody. The spectators applauded when the group of students and teachers began to march past. The
students and teachers were dressed completely in “Baju Melayu” and “Baju Kurung”, the Malaysian’s national
clothes.

All students and teachers were assembled on the school field. The principal pronounced a speech and officially
inaugurated the ceremony. The head prefect then raised the “Jalur Gemilang” flag. The national anthem
"Negaraku" was then played. The students then gave spirited renditions of patriotic songs such as "Jalur
Gemilang", "Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang" and the Merdeka celebration theme song "Malaysiaku Gemilang".

Then, the students were asked to go to the school hall as the assembly ended. The hall turned into a
kaleidoscope of colours as the hall presentation comprising 500 performers, a choir, cultural shows and the other
performances got underway. The cultural shows were from many race like Malay, Chinese, and Indian. The
students were really fascinated by the magnificent shows. The pupils gave a good attention to the amazing singing
and the eye-catching traditional dances.

The shows continued by the rhythmic gymnastics presented by the well-trained students. The purpose of this
show is to give some patriotic spirit on celebrating the National Day to the students. The music was played during
the performance. The picturesque performances look even more interesting and colourful when the gymnast
rolled the ribbons and the hoops and tossed the balls to the others.

The time carried on creeping and it was 12 in the afternoon. Then, the principal gave some speech of hope and
wished that the celebration would be occurred again in the next year and the forthcoming year. The teachers and
the students departed the hall, symbolically ended the ceremony.

Reported by,
MONA LISA DA VINCI
Secretary
English Language Society