As I was reminiscing about the past, primary school days especially. I felt that I have had transform a lot in a person. The characteristics of me changed to a better one. Drastically is the word use to describe the change in me. Out of the blue, I thought of the upcoming National Day.
Singapore is going to be 44 years of age. The always changing nation I would describe it as. From a fishing village, to a successful trading port back in the olden days. Gone through Japanese Occupation and racial riots. Been through merging and separation. Changes the name twice(Temasek and Syonan-to) I supposed before naming it 'Singapura'. Creation of the High Rise Buildings for citizens to stay while clearing all the slums. Been attracting Multi-National Companies (MNCs) to invest in Singapore and rebate their taxes. Organising campaigns to shape Singaporeans into responsible citizens. Until now, attracting foreign talents to settle down in Singapore and start a family to contribute to Singapore's population as it is dropping.
Singapore is going to be 44 years of age. The always changing nation I would describe it as. From a fishing village, to a successful trading port back in the olden days. Gone through Japanese Occupation and racial riots. Been through merging and separation. Changes the name twice(Temasek and Syonan-to) I supposed before naming it 'Singapura'. Creation of the High Rise Buildings for citizens to stay while clearing all the slums. Been attracting Multi-National Companies (MNCs) to invest in Singapore and rebate their taxes. Organising campaigns to shape Singaporeans into responsible citizens. Until now, attracting foreign talents to settle down in Singapore and start a family to contribute to Singapore's population as it is dropping.
In my opinion, I really felt that given just 44 years(even younger than my parents), Singapore had transform into a country which is recognised worldwide. Talk about 'clean and green' and a Brazilian babe will spout out 'SINGAPORE' naturally. Talk about world class airport and any Tom, Dick and Harry would agree Singapore owns it. Singapore is not a country anymore, its more than that, its a brand. It is a world class branded which could win any branded (LV, Gucci, Hermes and etc) single handedly. Another example on why Singapore is more than a country. Take Michael P. Fay for example. He was an American fellow who came to Singapore and steals and even scratches any car he sighted on the street or in the car park got caned four strokes even after the appeal of a powerful country, USA. Singapore is also a country without the fear of seeing riots or protests on the streets. Anyone who wants to protest should send in their application and go indoor. International Monetary Fund (IMF) held in Singapore laugh at us but we are firm with our rules and regulations. It is because of all these that Singapore is ranked the top 10 worldwide for its security. I am truly amazed how such small island could make such huge impact to the world.
Back to the subject, I reminisced about the past. I remembered very clearly that when I was in Primary 5, I was taken to the National Day Parade(NDP), it was 2001 then. I still remember how awesome the feeling was holding my Primary School flag and leading other school mates into the stadium to watch the NDP. When the ceremony starts, it was and always is the uniform group marching in the stadium. Although many may think that the marching and all was boring, I am truly drawn to what is sighted before me then. The different platoons marching to the command given in Malay. They were all so organised together. Their faces were all the same, seriousness is the word. The parade commander was so impressive that I instantly felt in love with him even though he is a guy. The command he gave to the different platoons gave me a trigger down my spine. Everyone who was wearing the uniform followed his command without any error. He is the leader, he is the man. Because of that, I aspire to be like him. I hope that one day, I could stand in the National stadium and command the different platoons. Because of this dream, I went to join NPCC in Secondary school. The NDP'01 is the only parade I watch it live, but I was hooked ever since. Every year, August 9, I would not go anywhere but to watch the NDP live on television. Not only that, I would be at home marching to the command given by the parade commander. Some of you may think that I am mad, but this is how I show my love to Singapore during this day. By marching and saluting. Even go to the extent to singing 'Majulah Singapura' together with the live audiences and president. I always felt the atmosphere when I am doing this, I could feel that I am watching the parade live at the stadium. Because of that, every August 9 is the day of joy. Although there are performances and songs sung by the choir of various school, I would still not get sick of the formal parade. Because this is the part where Singapore could show the world how disciplined our people are, how united and ready to fight for Singapore we can be and how multi-racialism is possible within the uniform groups and citizens. We are the pride of Singapore and because of all these factors, I never miss any National Day Parade live on television after NDP'01.
As Singapore is embarking towards being a 44 years young nation, I would like to see that Singapore is still a strictest and fine-ner yet at the same time; racial harmonious, safe environment and definitely a place with lots of fun and excitement country.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY in ADVANCE SINGAPORE !
Below are a video summarising Singapore's past and present into a song.
ENJOY!!!
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