Kuala lumpur: Veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the public are invited to join the Beret Unity Walk on July 27 at Taman Tugu, to honour the service and sacrifices of the nation’s former soldiers. Organised by the non-governmental organisation Warisan Wira, the inaugural event celebrates military personnel from the Emergency era in the 1940s to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Warisan Wira pro-tem secretary Nik Adina Taty Nik Zainin stated that the programme is open to all, including students, youth, civil servants, and families of veterans. ‘Beret Unity Walk is more than a symbolic parade, it is a platform for Malaysians to show support and appreciation for the country’s heroes and to raise awareness of their sacrifices,’ she told Bernama.

The event is scheduled to begin at 7.30 am and will include a march around Taman Tugu, a special prayer for soldiers, and sharing of experiences by veterans. More than 100 veterans are expected to participate. Nik Adina mentioned that a ‘People Library’ session will offer the public a relaxed setting to hear veterans’ stories, fostering intergenerational bonds. Students from the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) and the Royal Military College (MTD) will perform a war dance symbolising patriotism.

Participants are encouraged to wear berets reflecting their military background, while the public is welcome to wear berets as a sign of solidarity. ‘As an initiative by children of military personnel, Warisan Wira hopes the walk, supported by the Defence Ministry and ATM through veteran groups, will become an annual event for Warriors’ Day,’ she added.