PUTRAJAYA: For some children, National Day is more than waving the Jalur Gemilang – it is a chance to dress up as the heroes they hope to become one day.
Five-year-old Raisya Jannah Hamdan turned heads at the National Day celebrations here on Monday (Aug 31) in full soldier’s uniform, accompanied by her mother Kadzleeza Abdul Kadir, 43, who was also dressed in military attire.
"This is my daughter’s second time wearing this uniform and she is very excited about it," Kadzleeza said when met at the parade.
"I believe letting her wear this outfit will help instil patriotism in her and teach her to appreciate the warriors who defend our country."
Raisya, meanwhile, said she hoped to become a soldier when she grows up.
Also sharing the spirit of the occasion was former Armed Forces member Firdaus Liman Abdullah, 32, who dressed his five-year-old son in an altered version of his old Army uniform.
"My son is wearing a modified version of the uniform I used to wear. This is the second time he has worn it and he was very excited," said the Kajang resident, who now works as a dispatcher.
"I am very proud to see him wearing it. I hope that one day he will understand what I did and appreciate the important role of our armed forces in defending the country."
