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Asean Sculpture Garden and National Monument of Malaysia

While in my Kuala Lumpur hotelof Malaysia, I had a chance to see the some of their National Monument there.  Built in 1966, the monument commemorates the people who fought against Communism.  It is a great recognition of one of the nation’s most difficult times in history.  Felix de Wheldon, the same guy who also was the architect of Washington DC’s Iwo Jima monument constructed it for Malaysia.  It consists of seven people sculpted from bronze on a squarish foundation also made of bronze.  The number is significant.  Each person is symbolic of the seven traits that Malaysia thinks were important and a part of the people who fought and died to keep the country free.  Leadership, strength, unity, and courage are among the qualities.

The tallest person of the grouping possesses the country’s flag while two other people, equipped soldiers, stand next to him on either side.  They carry a rifle, a bayonet, and a machine gun as their weapons. Below them and under their guard are fellow soldiers wounded and dead.
Almost right next to it is the Asean Sculpture Garden, a beautiful place to visit after the somberness of the National Monument, which had its own kind of beauty.  Filled with modern art sculptures that are actually quite striking and not at all pretentious, the garden is very green with spindly, skinny trees that reach up far in the sky, but not blotting out the sun completely.  It is an absolute must see for anyone visiting, even those who are more city than nature people.  It is also a great example of the kind of principles Asian naturists and gardeners and landscapers pride themselves on.  Mostly green and without much color from flowers, it provides a peaceful sight to the eyes and makes for a great spot to meditate in.  If anything, it provides a nice spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Related posts:

1. The Royal National Park of Sydney
2. Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

Tags: hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, monument

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