Happy Merdeka!

Sultan Abdul Samad Building- one of Malaysia's oldest buildings all decorated for Merdeka

Merdeka Square- The large flagpole is the same one where the first Malaysian flag was flown

Merdeka Square fountain

This past weekend we got the joy of our first Malaysian holiday weekend and a blessed day off of work. It was Merdeka- aka- Malaysian Independence Day! Now, Malaysia is only 52 years old, which is a stark contrast to celebrating the 4th of July in a country that is over 200 years old. Malaysia became free of British rule in a time that many Malaysians that are still walking down the street can remember. Because of this, Merdeka makes for a really amazing holiday. On Friday, my school had a Merdeka assembly (oh the joys of elem. school assemblies) to teach the students what Merdeka is all about, etc. A group of 5th graders read about the history of Malaysian rule, and the day that they were granted Independence 52 years ago. Then (and this is the coolest part), the "official" Malaysian Merdeka song played through all of the studio speakers and all of the Malaysian staff came in, dressed in their traditional Malaysian garb, waving Malaysian flags, and singing their hearts out. It was an awesome thing to see. I literally almost cried. I was so in awe of these people who were so excited to celebrate living in a free country. There was such pride beaming from their faces. It was cool. I guess because independence is such a new thing to Malaysia, Merdeka is so much more than fireworks, parades, and beer. I felt like it gave me a glimpse of what Americans must have felt like on the 4th of July in the early 1800s. People are still alive who can remember what life was like before and who can truly appreciate life now. It is a cool thing. Inspired by the assembly, Billy and I decided to go to Merdeka Square over the weekend which is the place where Malaysian independence was first declared and where the first Malaysian flag was flown. It was a neat place to be for the holiday. So, all in all- it was a good weekend to be in Malaysia. Enjoy the pics from our time in Merdeka square. Now we're looking forward to our next Malaysian holiday- Hari Raya...........Cambodia, here we come!!!! :)