The rain seems to grief today as we march past Padang, the event venue. It doesn't matter though, because we will show the world that this small island, despite all its setbacks and losses, will prosper and made known to many in the future in this world full of uncertainties.
Celebrating our 45th National Day this year, Singapore sure has gone a long way. Forty-five is a relatively small number as compared to our neighbouring countires who have celebrated their independence for more than this number. However, these 45 years have seen tremendous transformation, from our separation from Malaysia to raising our flag in Athens, Greece as we welcome global young athletes to compete in this year's Youth Olympic Games.
I grew us as a boy with little aspiration, always immersed in the pool of toys I owned. Nothing else seemed to matter, because Power Rangers would be there to save the world from evil. So, all I did as a boy was crashing my toy cars, building swords out of Lego, playing block-catching with neighbours' kids and sadly, doing piles of homework.
These childhood moments came so naturally, almost as if Singapore had not weathered any storm before. Never did I think about how much had been sacrificed to build this place I called home.
Then, I enlisted on 6th October, 2009.
Yes, training was tough. As a soldier, we complain about why NS is made madatoryl; we complain why we have to march 24km; we complain about our commanders ... But as soldiers, we all know deep down, that we cannot possess what we cannot protect.
Times in army made me think. I thought of my family, friends, and those vivid childhood memories still etched in my heart. I came to wonder one day - why do I have all these?
Sixty-five years ago, Singapore was a ruined country from all the damages inflicted from the war. Twenty years through, we tried to break free from then unreliable British custody by forging a merger with Malaysia. Things went horribly wrong when an anguishd PM Lee announced our separation, followed by declaring our independence through the screen of the black and white TV. Forty-five years on, we have today.
Today couldn't have been possible if not for the leadership of our government, the sacrifices our forefathers made and their determination to build this nation. Singapore did not prosper overnight. Many decisions were made to protect this land - education was provided to ensure continual growth in economy; NS was made compulsory so as to instill a sense of belonging of our men and provide deterrence; HDB flats were built to improve our living conditions. All these contributed to our success.
What we have today do not guarantee what we will have tomorrow. I have no doubts Singapore will prosper in this lifetime, the next and the next. Protect what we have today, and enjoy it tomorrow. Happy Birthday Singapore!
Celebrating our 45th National Day this year, Singapore sure has gone a long way. Forty-five is a relatively small number as compared to our neighbouring countires who have celebrated their independence for more than this number. However, these 45 years have seen tremendous transformation, from our separation from Malaysia to raising our flag in Athens, Greece as we welcome global young athletes to compete in this year's Youth Olympic Games.
I grew us as a boy with little aspiration, always immersed in the pool of toys I owned. Nothing else seemed to matter, because Power Rangers would be there to save the world from evil. So, all I did as a boy was crashing my toy cars, building swords out of Lego, playing block-catching with neighbours' kids and sadly, doing piles of homework.
These childhood moments came so naturally, almost as if Singapore had not weathered any storm before. Never did I think about how much had been sacrificed to build this place I called home.
Then, I enlisted on 6th October, 2009.
Yes, training was tough. As a soldier, we complain about why NS is made madatoryl; we complain why we have to march 24km; we complain about our commanders ... But as soldiers, we all know deep down, that we cannot possess what we cannot protect.
Times in army made me think. I thought of my family, friends, and those vivid childhood memories still etched in my heart. I came to wonder one day - why do I have all these?
Sixty-five years ago, Singapore was a ruined country from all the damages inflicted from the war. Twenty years through, we tried to break free from then unreliable British custody by forging a merger with Malaysia. Things went horribly wrong when an anguishd PM Lee announced our separation, followed by declaring our independence through the screen of the black and white TV. Forty-five years on, we have today.
Today couldn't have been possible if not for the leadership of our government, the sacrifices our forefathers made and their determination to build this nation. Singapore did not prosper overnight. Many decisions were made to protect this land - education was provided to ensure continual growth in economy; NS was made compulsory so as to instill a sense of belonging of our men and provide deterrence; HDB flats were built to improve our living conditions. All these contributed to our success.
What we have today do not guarantee what we will have tomorrow. I have no doubts Singapore will prosper in this lifetime, the next and the next. Protect what we have today, and enjoy it tomorrow. Happy Birthday Singapore!
