National day of mourning for Malaysian MH17 victims

Malaysian victims of the MH17 plane crash in Ukraine arrived home Friday morning, and were received with a mourning ceremony 10 a.m. Malaysian time. The victims received the same respectful treatment as the Dutch victims in Eindhoven. As the victims arrived today, the day has been chosen as day of national mourning. The first in the history of the country. Flags are at half mast throughout the country, and everyone is invited to join in the prayer for the victims. Of the 43 Malaysian victims, 20 bodies were brought home today. It is unclear when the other victims will be transported to Malaysia. In attendance at the ceremony were King Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, Prime Minister Najib Razak, surviving relatives and the ambassador of Malaysia to The Netherlands. After the plane landed, a minute of silence was held. The plane carrying the 20 victims left Schiphol on Thursday afternoon. Of the 43 Malaysian passengers on the fated MH17 flight, 28 have been identified, according to the Malaysian ambassador this week.

Repatriation ceremony held as Malaysian MH17 victims arrive home http://t.co/fGIqbMLotD pic.twitter.com/esDsysZWvO

— ITV News (@itvnews) August 22, 2014

MH17 day of mourning: Soldiers carry a coffin with remains of a M'sian victim during ceremony at KLIA pic.twitter.com/lQxiGAzjOo

— The Star (@staronline) August 22, 2014