+ Issue Date : 08/02/1966
+ Classification : Postage Stamp
+ Emission : Commemorative
+ Printer : Harrison & Sons, Limited
+ Printing : Photogravure
+ Watermark : PTM
+ Perforations : 13½
+ Separations : Normal Perforations
+ Gum Type : Gum
+ Shape : Triangular
Common Design: National Monument (Tugu Negara) in Kuala Lumpur.
The National Monument is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and theMalayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960. It is located in the Federal capital,Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian Houses of Parliament is situated near the monument.
The concept of a national monument was mooted by Malaysia's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, who was inspired by the Marine Corps War Memorial during his visit to the United States in October 1960, before personally meeting Felix de Weldon for a favour to design the monument.
The National Monument was completed and officially opened on 8 February 1966, by Ismail Nasiruddin of Terengganu, then Yang di-Pertuan Agong. It was proclaimed a memorial park dedicated to the 11,000 people who died during the 12-year Malayan Emergency (1948–1960). Thereafter, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the monument every 31 July on Warriors Day. De Weldon was later conferred with the title Tan Sri, the Malaysian equivalent of a high-ranking knighthood.
On 27 August 1975, the monument suffered extensive damage due to an explosion set off by a communist terrorist. It has since been restored to its original state with the renovated statues unveiled on 11 May 1977. A fence was then erected and the complex was declared a protected area between sunset and dawn. Every day at dawn, a soldier raises the national flag and lowers it at dusk.Although Warriors' Day commemoration services are no longer officially held at the National Monument, Remembrance Dayceremonies continue to take place there. Pictured is Remembrance Sunday at the National Monument's cenotaph on 13 November 2011.
