51st Birthday of a Nation

Seldom do we step out to Dataran Merdeka to celebrate Malaysia's Independence Day, but here we were this year. While Vincent decided to sleep in, the rest of us became part of the large audience watching the event unfold.
As always, it is different when you are part of it. The flat screen may offer the best view for those controlling the remote, but it never is the same. As the crowd hopped up and down, hoping to catch glimpses of the performances, at least, the atmosphere liven up.

With the playing of the patriotic songs, it is a delight to hear almost EVERYONE voicing out, especially the classic 'Jalur Gemilang'. This year's theme song wasn't as catchy. Who can resist 'Standing in the Eyes of the World' by Ella? Well, I can't! Energetic songs would run me wild, but songs with sentimental lyrics like this touch the heart.

Original Version

Kini "Standing In The Eyes Of The World"

Hanyalah selangkah dari nyata

Keazaman membara dijiwa

Menanti saat bebas merdeka

Tiba masa kau melangkah gagah

Bersemangat ke arah matlamat sedaya upaya

Engkau terunggul

Wajar "Standing In The Eyes Of The World"

English Version

Now you're"Standing In The Eyes Of The World"

Only moments away from what can be

There's a passion in the hearts of a few

ever waiting inside to be set free

When the time comes and your spirit takes flight

and you reach intoyour soul and live it with all of your might

And there's no surprise that you're

Standing In The Eyes Of The World"

It happens every year, screaming "Merdeka" seven times to arouse the 1957 pantomine that Malaysians consider a tradition of our own. The parade after that sent hoards of people rushing to join in the festive moment, and some, like us, headed back home, wondering if next year would bring us back.