What did history taught us over these years? The victor will always end up writing history in favor of himself. Think about it, after the world war 2, who won? Who wrote the history? The allies of WW2, particularly, the Americans wrote the history of World War 2 in their favor. They achieve victory both in Europe and over the pacific.

Closing into the 20th century, war films and fiction about World War 2 is getting more popular say one of the most famous film was Saving Private Ryan which showed the heroic and bloody battle on the shores of Normandy. Countries like USA, Britain, France, China, Australia and even my beloved country, Malaysia (Malaya back in the 1940s) has made films or shows about the heroic fights and bravery during the war. However, have you ever seen an International film about Germans, Japanese or Italians bravely fighting the Allied soldiers?

I doubt so. I guess it’s politically wrong for them to produce such a show. They are deemed as the ‘bad-guys’ of the war. The allied are the ‘good guys’ and the eventual ‘winner’ of the war. Let me tell you stories from a typical Chinese WW2 film, there is surely a Jap raping a chinese chick. How about an American film, maybe a Jap torturing an Allied soldier? Even this show called “Enemy at the gates”, yeah, a bunch of British people acting as Russians, weird. Anyway, the film shows how brave the Red Army were against the Nazis. Did you know the Red Army used to be allies of the Nazis? Another historical fact was the Americans GIs raping Japanese woman even a 65 year old lady when they hit the shore of Japan’s shore during the Allied occupation and other war crime they’ve done. See how they are trying to tell a story that manipulate your mind indirectly.

The Axis is stereotyped as the ‘bad guys’. Why? Simply because the ‘boss’ say so. *USA & Britain* But if we look back in time, the Japanese and Germans did what they had to do. They are poor and hungry. I am not trying to say what they did was right, but they did that out of desperation. Starting a war is surely not a solution but that’s the best they can come out with.

We all know, in war, no one is the winner or loser, ‘good guys’ or ‘bad guys’. Everyone did suffer lost and casualties but I guess no one really understand what’s going on the mind of the parents when they receive a letter saying their son ‘fought bravely and die in honor for his country’. I am not trying to belittle the effort and strength of the armies that fought during the war. I am very honored to have them protect the land we now stand on.

Second Lieutenant Adnan bin Saidi, 7th Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, Malay Regiment. He bravely fought the Japanese troops till his very last breath. I salute you, sir. Rest in peace. In conjunction of ANZAC day, a day when OZ and Kiwis pay tribute to the Australian New Zealand Army Corps, I pay my tribute to those fallen soldiers of the WW2. No matter which side you are on, I know, you’re just doing your job. For that, I pray for you as your effort results in a peaceful country and era. The World War 2 definitely left a scar in many people’s heart. Not just pain, blood and tears but the memories of the haunting past. Deep down in my heart, I guess, the war ended with a new start for everyone to look forward. 50 odd years on, those who fell will never be forgotten.

post-script : manage to speak to this war veteran, apparently, he fought the Vietnam war and his father was in the New Guinea campaign of WW2.

Cheerio,

Hanjun