Latest news with #Alban
The Star
30-04-2025
- General
- The Star
A legacy of sacrifice and bravery
Keeping watch: An Australian soldier and a Malaysian Naval personnel standing guard during the Anzac Day dawn service at Sandakan Memorial Park. KOTA KINABALU: Alban Joseph Lagan (pic) was a seven-year-old child when he watched more than 2,000 POWs being marched by Japanese soldiers past his home near St Mary's Church in Sandakan. 'They were beaten, starved and made to suffer. I remember the noise, the marching, the singing at three o'clock in the morning,' he said of what was later dubbed the Sandakan Death March. Worse, Alban's own father, Ernesto, who helped Australian and British soldiers who escaped from the Japanese, was betrayed and arrested. He was later shot dead in Kuching for his role in aiding the escapees. Alban is now 90, but he still remembers those painful days and makes it a point to come back to Sabah for the Anzac Day commemoration. 'Every year, I come back here because I want peace. I am grateful to those who sacrificed their lives to bring peace to this land,' he said at the Sandakan Memorial Park during Anzac Day's dawn service. 'I forgive the man who betrayed my father. Maybe he thought he could save himself. Maybe he wanted to survive too. We must forgive if we want peace,' he said. Anzac Day, observed on April 25, honours Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Alban was among some 300 people – including Australian and New Zealand families, local residents, diplomats and school groups – who gathered to pay their respects at the site where the Sandakan Death Marches began. More than 2,400 Australian and British soldiers were forced to march nearly 260km from Sandakan to Ranau between 1942 and 1945. Only six survived. Alban Most died along the way from starvation, disease or were executed. Those who tried to escape depended on the bravery of local villagers who risked their lives to shelter them. This year's Anzac Day ceremony also saw the unveiling of an interactive memorial gallery at the park, offering a more personal glimpse into the lives of those who perished and those who helped them. Delivering Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's message, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong said Sabah would always remember the suffering, courage and humanity shown during one of the darkest chapters of World War II. 'The legacy of those who lived and died during that terrible time is a lasting bond between our peoples,' she said. Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Dr Justin Lee said Anzac Day remains one of the most sacred days of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders. 'We remember those who gave their lives for our freedom and the locals who helped them, risking their own lives,' he said. Dr Lee said the new gallery, which features digital exhibitions, survivor testimonies and archival materials, will provide families and visitors a way to connect with the past. 'We hope it brings more Australian families here to Sandakan to remember and learn,' he said. Yesterday, as the sun rose over the park, the haunting sound of the Last Post echoed through the trees, followed by a moment of silence. Wreaths were laid by diplomats, military officials, family members and local dignitaries, as flags of Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia fluttered in the breeze. For people like Alban, the ceremony was a reminder that their stories must never be forgotten. 'I will keep coming back as long as I am alive,' Alban said.
BBC News
07-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Peregrine falcon eggs smashed in St Albans Cathedral live stream
A live stream of a peregrine falcon nest on top of a cathedral has been taken offline after reports the birds' eggs were deliberately birds, Alban and Boudica, first nested on the roof of St Albans Cathedral in 2022 and a popular online video stream was launched the following about 10:30 BST the feed was shut down after an individual was seen walking across the nest destroying the eggs. The Very Revd Jo Kelly Moore, the Dean of St Albans, said: "We are so desperately sad at the harm done to eggs in our peregrine falcon nest here in the tower at St Albans Cathedral." Hertfordshire Police said it was investigating the live camera feed is a project run by St Albans Cathedral in partnership with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife a post on Facebook the cathedral said: "We are currently working with the Rural Operational Support Team at Hertfordshire Constabulary, and a person is assisting the police with their inquiries. "The live cam will remain offline until further notice." Last year 519,882 people viewed the live feed, the most popular day was 9 May when 12,598 tuned in to see three newly hatched chicks.A BBC Three Counties Radio listener named Beverley told presenter Roberto Perrone that she "felt sick" as she watched the incident happen on the live recalled: "The female bird was sitting on the egg and all of a sudden there was a noise that spooked her, it sounded like a door opening."Then I saw a man's leg enter in front of the camera. He stood there for 30 or 40 seconds before literally walking across - he didn't stamp but he stepped on the eggs and just kept walking." Peregrine falcons remain loyal to their nest site, which means the cathedral is now an established breeding year the pair had laid three eggs in the shingle nesting tray which replicates their natural clifftop nesting Very Revd Jo Kelly Moore said: "We are very grateful for the support offered at this time to resolve what has taken place."Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has also been approached for comment. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
