Beyond flags and parades

Teaching them: A father and his children keeping the National Day spirit flying high in Sungai Petani, Kedah. — GC TAN/The Star

WHAT does National Day actually mean to people my age who were not alive in 1957? I did not witness Tunku Abdul Rahman declare independence. I did not experience British colonial rule or the uncertainty of a country fighting to determine its own future.

For my generation, independence is something we were born into. We learn about it in history lessons. We sing Negaraku at school. We see the Jalur Gemi-lang everywhere in August and September, at least until Malaysia Day on Sept 16. We watch the parades, listen to the speeches, and take photographs during National Day celebrations.