Feelings Towards The Nation
Someone once asked me, what National Day means to me. I replied nonchalantly saying that it is just another day where I can stay at home and sleep in late. What else did you expect a Primary School student to say? But that did not last long. I went into Primary 5 and was going for the National Day Parade (NDP) preview.
And there, I was swarmed with emotions by the people who attended it. Singing the patriotic songs, watching the strong army guarding us and of course, the fireworks that filled our skies. I have asked people before, but it was on an impromptu action of mine, what it means for them. I get replies ranging from being able to spend the day out with their families away from the hectic lifestyles, to the extreme cases of leaving the country and enjoying the time elsewhere. None have told me key terms like stability, racial harmony or just, this was where I was born. These terms have no doubt appeared in our daily lives before, throughout education and also, among the community.
In addition, in my opinion, different races have different replies too. Because National Day falls on August 9, close to Hari Raya, which is New Year to our Malay counterparts, they feel more emotions to our country – one which has strong racial bonds and no riots now. I agree that the songs are sometimes one too many because the government comes up with one new song a year! Who would be able to remember so many songs to sing at the parade? Why not just stick to the good and mind-etched few which most of us already know?
That besides the point, now I can readily say Singapore is a place where I would have called my home but seriously, I doubt that I would be so enthusiastic if I participated in the annual parade. I believe that all that matters most is in the heart. I have spent lots of time overseas, from Australia to the UK to the States. And have also seen them celebrated their National Days or better known as Independence Days (UK is called Queen’s Birthday). I would encourage Singapore to drop the parade idea and give the option to the citizens where we can choose maybe to enjoy the show, which do not need tickets to enter and we can celebrate it to our own preference (maybe a picnic).
Yes, I am proud of Singapore’s stability and racial harmony and even security because I have experienced issues when I was overseas. But to me, now, I think National Day simply means that certain things should not be taken for granted but we should also fight for our rights when this is a land we dearly call our own – Our one and only, endearing home.
To my family, it is a time for a true gathering, where all my relatives and cousins come back from abroad due to either work or education and come together for a meal. That to us is also very important. As for my best friends, those from Singapore breed and born here, well, we are all just happy to be here, with family and friends and Singapore.
Our wish for Singapore?
Continue to strive for excellence and also, Happy 44th Birthday, old lady! (Because it is “Mother”land).
