Keeping the spirit of service alive
20 October 2022- History & commemoration
For Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch member Ibraheem Malik, Remembrance Day signifies a day to reflect on the people and communities impacted by conflict.
Moving to Australia from Pakistan in early 2000, Ibraheem is the son of a soldier of the Crown.
“My dad served for the Crown. He was a member of the Royal Indian Engineers and served during the Second World War in the Burma campaign,” he shares.
“I was just 28 years old when my father passed away in 1998. And Remembrance Day has become special for me because it isn’t a day about glorifying war; it is about the people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. People who have gone through something which is unexplainable.
“He served for the Crown and was on the front line. I know it’s common for people who served in conflicts that they don’t want to remember that part of their life because it wasn’t easy.”
EXPERIENCES SHARED THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD
His father’s time in service was not something ever shared with Ibraheem until the night before he passed away.
“He gave me some very old papers and files. At the time I didn’t open them; I just kept them in a safe place. I brought them with me to Australia and it wasn’t until early 2014 that I looked at them and started to understand the experience my father had during his time serving.
“It was in reading his service booklet and finding out that he served with honour and was awarded the 1939-45 Star and Burma Star for his distinguished service that I got to know my father.”
CONTINUING THE TRADITION OF SERVING COMMUNITY
Ibraheem joined Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch in 2015 and since then, much like his father, has dedicated his time to serving his community. In addition to his work with the Sub Branch he is a volunteer for the Queensland State Emergency Services.
“Since joining I’ve spent a lot of time advocating in my community to the younger people about what ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day are about and volunteering for the ANZAC Day Appeal and Remembrance Poppy Appeal, attending the services, marching in the parade,” he explains.
“Sunnybank is a very special Sub Branch. It’s very inclusive.”
Ibraheem is currently working on a project called Muslims for Remembrance.
“It is a project close to my heart. It is basically uncovering the untold stories of Muslim ANZACs and their dedication and their loyalty to the country they were living in. Initially my exhibition was a part of Remembrance Day in 2018, and since then we have made it a part of every ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day here at Sunnybank Sub Branch.
“I feel honoured to be a part of such a diverse community. Our Sub Branch is a great example of inclusivity because when you serve for your country it doesn’t matter what your skin colour is, what your religion is or how you came here. We all have one commonality and that is we are all Australian.”
A DAY FOR FAMILY
Remembrance Day for Ibraheem is a day to reflect and spend time with his family.
“My son and I lay a wreath every Remembrance Day. I’ve been fortunate to learn more about my father’s service through the Royal Indian Historical Society in England and a day like Remembrance Day is a moment for me to pause and remember his sacrifices.
“I remember one piece of advice my father gave me. He said, ‘Son, always remember, wherever you live you should be known as a beneficial human being for your fellow beings.’
“I’m trying to live by that advice. I’m trying to be a beneficial human for my community.”