Today is the 44th birthday of our nation. A long way since our independence in 1965. Well to those who were taught in school, we would not be here if not for the decision of our neighbour to oust us from the confederation of states. Every year, we celebrate our national building with a parade that consists of the marching contingents and various cultural perfromances. This year also marks the 25th year of Total Defence and we were treated to display of the country's preparedness for any internal threat! I love the naval display and special group such as the bomb disposal unit.
This year the host also appealed to all citizens who were watching the show to recite the pledge at a specific time at the end of the show! I wondered wether they were trying to break a guinness records. Anyway, as a patriotic citizen, I did my duty at that said moment. It is really special that as a country with multi racial people, all of us knew how to sing our national anthem which is in Malay. It is also a respect to the original people who settled on this island before it was discovered by chance by a prince from the neighbouring island. Subsequently due to trade, it was rediscovered by the East Indian Company and raised its status from a small malay fishing village to today's striving cosmopolitan of the world.
As a nation, urged by the Prime Minister in his National Day speech, we have to strive together and to unite as a people to face the challenges ahead. The country has expanded in all ways and more diverse than most can imagine when we gained independence in 1965. In order to assure that we continue to progress, we need to be more tolerant and accommodating to others' beliefs. However, each individual must also do their part as citizen and as human beings to build a community that we will be proud of. Peace starts from the individual.
"Everything begins with the resolve to take the first step. From that action, wisdom arises and change begins. Without action, nothing changes. " - Words of Wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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