PUTRAJAYA — The National Day parade this year drew special attention from families where parents serving in uniformed roles shared the experience by dressing their children in similar attire, creating meaningful intergenerational moments of patriotism.

Among those was George Tonge, a 41-year-old Sarawak-based member of the armed forces. Approaching retirement next year, George repurposed material from his own old uniforms to create outfits for his three children. "It is very meaningful for me to see them in the uniforms because I will be retiring from the army next year. All three of my children are wearing uniforms that I used to wear," he said. He emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of pride and patriotism through the experience. “I believe it is important for them to wear these uniforms to kindle their patriotic spirit,” George added.

Similarly, former army personnel Firdaus Liman Abdullah, 32, now working as a dispatcher, brought his five-year-old son to the parade wearing a modified version of his former uniform. Firdaus noted this was the second time his son had dressed in army attire and expressed hope that his child would come to appreciate the sacrifices made by those in military service. “He was very excited,” Firdaus said.

Nurse Nur Sabrina Ramli, 34, shared that dressing her two daughters in uniforms has become a National Day tradition for the family. Last year, her daughters wore army uniforms reminiscent of their father’s service, while this year they opted for rented navy uniforms. Nur Sabrina recounted how eager her daughters were as they prepared early for the event. “Wearing these uniforms also increases their patriotism. They also feel proud and want to be like their father,” she said.

At the parade, five-year-old Raisya Hamdan arrived with her mother, Kadzleeza Abdul Kadir, 43, both clad in matching camouflage uniforms complete with face paint. Kadzleeza, an army personnel, said the outfit was Raisya’s second time wearing the full ensemble. She highlighted the role of such experiences in fostering patriotism and respect for those who defend the country. Raisya expressed a desire to join the army like her mother in the future.

Two brothers from Kajang, 10-year-old Syaqif Affan and 8-year-old Syadiq Affan, also drew attention in Prison Department uniforms, tailored to fit them perfectly. Their mother, Arifah Abdul Razak, 43, said the boys were aware of their father's occupation and took pride in it. She has dressed her sons in the uniforms for several consecutive National Day celebrations as a way to cultivate a love of country and respect for public service. "I want to continuously remind them of their love for the country and what these jobs mean," Arifah stated.

These family stories underscore how wearing uniforms during the nation's commemorative events serves as a powerful symbol of heritage and dedication to national service across generations.