Commissioned in 1963 and completed in 1966, the Tugu Negara was designed by renowned American sculptor Felix de Weldon, who also designed the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C. The central bronze sculpture depicts seven soldiers representing different branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces, symbolizing leadership, suffering, unity, vigilance, strength, courage, and sacrifice. The monument specifically commemorates those who died in the struggle against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960). Every year on July 31st (Warriors' Day), the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and military leaders gather here to lay wreaths and pay their respects, ensuring that the legacy of Malaysia's defenders is never forgotten.