New York (The Star/ANN) - One of New York's best-known landmarks, the Empire State Building, will honour Malaysia as one of the countries competing in the London Olympic Games by putting the colours of the Malaysian flag on its world-famous tower lights.
Between July 26 and Aug 12, the building will illuminate each night the flag colours of a number of countries participating in the Games.
The colours of Malaysia's flag will be illuminated on August 9 at the tower's east side.
The famed tower's four sides will illuminate the sky with colours of the participating countries' flags each night throughout the competition. The tower lights are switched off at 2:00 a.m. daily.
"We are proud to shine our iconic tower lights to celebrate the countries competing in London," said Anthony E. Malkin of the Empire State Building.
In the past, the building had illuminated its tower with the colours of the Malaysian flag to mark Malaysia's national day.
The building celebrates many cultures and causes in the world community with iconic lightings.
A spokesman told Malaysian national news agency Bernama that the building's tower lights recognised key milestones, events, charitable organisations, countries and holidays throughout the world, not political or religion-related events.
The building is privately owned by Empire State Building Company LLC (ESBC). Contrary to widespread belief, it is not owned or run by the city or state of New York.
Many foreign visitors, including from South-East Asia, visit the tower. Malaysian visitors have stated that the visit to the tower is somewhat analogous to the ride up the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to get an exciting view of the city.
The building has also been visited by many foreign statesmen, dignitaries, diplomats, industrialists and Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities.
