Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Each year the shouts of independence echo from every nook and corner of the country on August 31 to mark Merdeka Day or Independence Day.

Growing up, I was not too clear about Merdeka Day. It was the early 1970s and I recalled it as another day away from school. But we did have to be in our school uniform early in the morning, lining up along the town's main road and waving flags at a VIP passing by in a big car, who waved back at us. The best part was we were rewarded afterwards with free goodies and cakes before being allowed to go home in the afternoon.

I used to ask my grandparents about the Merdeka Day but never understood their explanations. It was a day to celebrate, they told me, a day that brings happiness. But it was strange because their eyes would tear up when explaining to me. I'd ask them why they were crying, but the answer was always: "You will understand one day."

As a teenager, I had the opportunity to take part in the Merdeka Day celebrations. By this time, I had come to understand the gist of this special day. It was about "freedom" and "independence", although I was still unaware of what it meant to "achieve independence".

It was a day of fun. Along with other students, I had assembled on the field of the state stadium. Some of my friends who were in the school band took part in the march past. I was in the cultural troupe, performing cultural dances in front of thousands of spectators from all walks of life. It was a proud moment for me to be dancing in front of all the VIPs who were watching from the grand stand.

It was a ritual for me and my family to watch the Merdeka Day parade and other special programmes that were broadcast live throughout Malaysia. Watching these shows with interviews on the Independence Day veterans, I eventually understood why my grandparents were moved when talking about it. Theirs were the tears of satisfaction, freedom, achievement and joy! I was touched as well.

This year, the nation celebrates its 47th year of independence. It was on August 30, 1957 that then Chief Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj opened Stadium Merdeka. The next day, history was made as the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag rose, with Tunku Abdul Rahman making the famous rallying cries "Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!" as the first Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya.

For more than 30 years, Merdeka Day celebrations were marked by parades by uniformed personnel on that day itself. But for the past few years, it has been a month-long celebration throughout the country, kicking off from August 17 and ending on September 16.

Also, the hosting of the Merdeka Day parade is not confined to Kuala Lumpur only. Now, different states of the country will host the celebrations each year. Nevertheless, the original site, Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur (the Selangor Club field) has never been quiet on the eve of Merdeka Day. City folks still throng the square and wait for the stroke of midnight to celebrate this momentous event.

The trend of celebrating a month-long Merdeka continues this year. Various events have been slated. The theme, Keranamu, Malaysia, meant to inculcate love for the country, has been maintained for this year's celebrations, which will commence on August 17 with the raising of Jalur Gemilang, the national flag. The occasion will be held at Padang Bandaraya Ipoh, Perak.

Simultaneously on this day, the national flag raising campaign begins throughout the country. It has become a tradition for Malaysians, including those in rural areas, to display the nation's flag at their houses, office premises, shopping complexes, and even stalls by the roadside. Mini flagpoles are also attached to automobile roofs.

Ten days after the flag raising ceremony, on August 27, there will be a nationwide thanksgiving among ethnic groups. This has also become a tradition since a few years ago for various races to offer thanks at mosques, temples and churches in conjunction with Merdeka Day.

The host state for this year's Merdeka Day celebrations is Pahang. The national level Ambang Merdeka or Merdeka Eve festivities will be held at the Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan II, followed by the Merdeka celebrations on August 31 at Padang Kemunting, Kuantan. This year, the celebrations will focus on the development of agricultural industry in Malaysia. There'll be cultural performances and parades by students, government agencies, private sectors as well as uniformed personnel.

The month-long event will come to an end with the closing ceremony in the state of Sarawak on September 6.

Every Merdeka Day brings back fond memories for me, from my carefree days as a child to my days of understanding the true meaning of merdeka. It continues to be a special day of the year for me, for we may celebrate it for only a month but the fruits of merdeka are enjoyed for a lifetime.