Journal Day 19; Aug 19, 2016

Day 19: Independence Day—what does it mean to you?

Foreword

Independence Day here in Malaysia is but only two weeks away. Speaking of Independence Day, why isn't this topic on Day 30? Huh...

Thank you for reading this post, and I hope you'd read the following days' topics. :)
Enjoy reading!

What Independence Day Means To Me

On the 31^st of August 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman, otherwise known as the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, had succeeded in uniting the people of Malaya, fulfilling the request of the English regime and granting us—our independence, or as we coined it, Merdeka. After years and years of being under violent and strict services by multiple countries, Malaya had finally earned its long-yearned independence. On 31^st of August 2016, it would be 59 years after Merdeka.

Okay, okay, that's enough history.
For me, Independence Day is the day the people of Malaysia showed how much they care for one another, despite the many differences. Back then, people used to keep to themselves and divide among themselves based on their ethnics. Barely anyone would mix with one another. Because of this, it became easy for stronger forces to conquer the country. No unity between the people. No peace among the people.

But was it true that it was impossible for one to watch the back of another? Of course not! People gathered together and stayed together. What do we achieve from all that unity? Progress—something equal to a paradigm shift of the country's economics and people. Things that used to nothing but a fantasy, achieved with unity. But the most important thing out of that is that people are actually happier together!

I cherish the diversity in Malaysia. Honestly, I very much prefer conversing with people of different ethnicity for the sole reason of learning their culture. Independence Day—the day we achieved our freedom, the day the country was united as one. This day means a lot not to just me but to everyone else. I believe that Malaysia wouldn't be Malaysia if it weren't for the manpower of everyone. United we stand, divided we fall.

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Independence Day is indeed a day to rejoice and appreciate what history had given us. Every country has their past to tell, their past for the people to cherish. Speaking of Independence Days, what does your Independence Day mean to you? Let me know down in the comments below!

Want to read more? Check out the topic list, here!

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