Sandakan Memorial Day

Remember the fallen heroes of the Australian and British prisoners-of-war (POW) who have suffered and perished during the notorious Death Marches from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945. A memorial is held to commemorate the fallen heroes, on the 15th of August every year at the Sandakan Memorial Park, which was once the site of the Prisoners of War camp. Two thousand seven hundred Australian and British soldiers were taken to Sandakan to build airstrips. They were tortured, left malnourished and in poor physical condition. The soldiers were then forced to walk a torturous long walk to Ranau, a distance as far as 260km. Only six men survived. They managed to escape and were then fed and hidden by the locals. Every year, family members and friends of the prisoners-of-war, who perished during the Death March, travel to Sandakan to reflect and remember. This event also remembers local residents who risked their lives to help the POWs during this period. The poignant service starts as early as 7am where everyone relives the hardship of World War II. Special poems are being recited to remember those who endured the sufferings. A wreath laying ceremony, a floral tribute, which symbolizes how beautiful and yet short life is. A moment of silence to honor the departed as the service ends with the Reveille, which brings a profound meaning, a new beginning in a better world for the dead and to incite the living in their duty, a symbolic motion which means respect have been paid in remembrance of their comrades. August 15th is a date to remember as we pay accolade to those who perished during the infamous Death Marches. For further readings, please check on Sandakan-Ranau Death March dedicated website developed by TYK Adventure Tours Sdn Bhd.