A monumental legacy and a son’s enduring pride

Daniel de Weldon, a 55-year-old actor and writer based in Los Angeles, stands before Tugu Negara, Malaysia's national monument, and experiences a deep connection to his father's legacy. Felix de Weldon, a renowned Austrian-American sculptor, designed Tugu Negara and other monuments, including the US Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.

Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's independence leader, played a crucial role in commissioning Felix to create the national monument after being inspired by it during a trip to the US. Daniel discovered previously unseen photos of his father and Tunku Abdul Rahman while attending a 2022 event organized by the National Archives and the Austrian embassy in Malaysia.

Felix's journey as a sculptor began at the age of six when he first witnessed a sculptor at work and was invited to try his hand at it. He later crossed paths with Tunku Abdul Rahman during his frequent travels between the US and Malaysia to work on the monument. The sculptor's dedication to conveying the ideals of independence and self-governance is evident in his work, which includes the statue of Tunku Abdul Rahman at the Malaysian Parliament complex.

Daniel de Weldon is currently developing a musical biopic titled "Monumental," which will delve into his father's life and the creation of the US Marine Corps War Memorial, but will also encompass Felix's broader life, including his meeting with Tunku Abdul Rahman.