MH17: A Minute's Silence, A Lifetime's Mourning

A hush swept across Malaysia at exactly 10.55am today as the remains of 20 Malaysian victims of downed flight MH17 arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Amsterdam.

The nation marks an official day of mourning today for 43 Malaysians killed in the July 17 incident.

The Jalur Gemilang at half-mast, as Malaysia observes a day of mourning for those killed in the July 17 shooting down of flight MH17. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, August 22, 2014.

Flight MH17 bound for Kuala Lumpur was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people aboard.

This is the second tragedy involving a MAS B-777 aircraft, after the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 on March 8 when it was en-route to Beijing.

Malaysian Internet users also observed the solemn occasion today, with social media pages gone black and ribbons to mark a state of mourning.

The Malaysian public and corporate entities have also announced their participation in the nationwide mourning.

The Jalur Gemilang at half-mast, as Malaysia observes a day of mourning for those killed in the July 17 shooting down of flight MH17. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, August 22, 2014.The Jalur Gemilang at half-mast, as Malaysia observes a day of mourning for those killed in the July 17 shooting down of flight MH17. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, August 22, 2014.Malaysia Airlines said it was observing a company-wide mourning, with black ribbons distributed to its cabin crew and the airline's flag flying at half mast.

MAS said it has approved time-off from 10.00am to 2.00pm today, to allow its staff in Kuala Lumpur to pay their last respects to their colleagues and friends.

MAS will also hold a special prayer session in remembrance of the passengers, at the Tengku Kelana Jaya Petra mosque in Kelana Jaya, later today.

"Malaysia Airlines is deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy.  It has been a long and painful wait for the families and friends of the passengers and crew onboard MH17," it said in a statement today.

The United States, meanwhile, expressed its solidarity with Malaysians, with the words "MH17" displayed at the gates of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (pic, right).

"The people of the United States stand with the people of Malaysia at this time of national mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost in MH17," the embassy said. – August 22, 2014.

-The Malaysian Insider-