Moving poem recital stirs hearts at Warriors' Day parade
Her rendition of the poem "Darah Yang Terpercik di Baju" was not just a performance, but a heartfelt expression of duty and devotion, and a pledge of duty and love for the nation.
With over two decades in military service, each line she delivered carried the weight of her experience.
"For me, poetry is more than just words. It's a way to connect hearts — especially with those who've worn the uniform before us," said Siti Nur Aini, 40, from Kulim, Kedah, who was selected to perform at the national event for the third time.
"When I see the veterans marching with such enthusiasm, despite their age and physical limitations, my heart aches," she said.
"Their unwavering spirit breathes life into every verse I recite," she added, referring to the poem written by the late Norazimah Abu Bakar.
Having begun reciting poetry during her school days, the 40-year-old from Kulim, Kedah, said her passion for poetry has remained strong throughout her career in the military.
Her dedication has earned her several accolades, including being crowned champion of the armed forces' Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Kemerdekaan' 2023.
However, Siti Nur Aini is quick to point out that it's not the awards that matter most, but how poetry can stir the hearts of the younger generation and remind them of the sacrifices made by the country's heroes.
"The verses that touches me most deeply are: 'selimut pejuang yang gugur perlahan dilepaskan' and 'dari liang pusara menyambut syahdu, resam terpercik darah di baju masih basah, bersemadi di kalbuku'. These lines pierce straight to the heart.
"I visualise the sacrifices made throughout my years in uniform, and from there, the emotions come on their own," she said.
Siti Nur Aini also shares her training methods with her recital partner, Detective Sergeant Ardiansyah Wayang from the police.
Together, they often exchange ideas and rehearse to identify the key parts of a poem that need to be emphasised to leave a lasting emotional impact on the audience.
"We always collaborate, share perspectives, and practise together. We discuss which parts of the poem need to be highlighted so that the message truly resonates with the audience," she said.
The Warriors' Day parade, coordinated by the police, involved 18 officers and 685 personnel from the police and armed forces, led by Superintendent Mohamad Ridzuan Roslan.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia, graced the parade held in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors' Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan Negara here.
Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar were also in attendance.
Warriors' Day, first observed on July 31, 1960, stands as a symbol of national appreciation and recognition for the service, sacrifice, and bravery of officers and members of the police and the armed forces, both those who have fallen and those still living, in defending the sovereignty and peace of our beloved nation.
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