Do You Believe In The World?: July 2009

With National Day around the corner, there’s no need for further reminder as the sight of red and white flags dot out the island, or at least that’s what we would have been used to.

Recently, I took a bus ride through the heartlands and spotted a particular block of flats, entirely decked out in the red and white of Singapore in the form of flags. Indeed this serves as a breath of fresh air on a mundane bus ride but I knew that there was a deeper significance behind it.

It has been a national tradition of sorts for Singaporeans to hang the national flag of Singapore whenever national day comes close. Since majority of Singaporeans live in high raised HDB apartments, it certainly makes a majestic sight to see a block of flats with the red and white of our nation flapping free in the air.

The flags are not only for decorative purposes though.

By hanging the national flag, you are showing respect and pride for the country.

Remembering the times when I was just a little kid, whenever the 9^th of August came close, my family would unfold the Singapore flag that we have and hang it on the hooks mounted right outside our window. Sure it wasn’t much but it provided quality family time as well as a symbol of respect for our country.

Seeing neighbours help one another hang their flags year after year religiously were at that time, a fascination to the young in me as I had no understanding behind the symbolism of hanging the national flag.

However, times have change and as society develops, such practices have reduced as people get more engrossed in societal concerns.

And bit by bit, the sense of national pride and loyalty deteriorates; ask the younger generation if they’re proud to be Singaporean and the answer will probably be in the form of uncertain slurs.

I admit that I’m one of the culprits behind such responses as I was never the self proclaiming loud and proud Singaporean; and I’m sure that I’m not alone.

I may not recite the national pledge or sing the national song daily but in my heart, I’m secretly proud and contented to be Singaporean and there are many others out there who are as well.

So why not take the first step and hang that flag high and proud this national day? It may be hard to say “I am a proud Singaporean” but surely this gives volume that action speaks louder than words.

*Article published on The Straits Times Online Forum, 22nd July 2009.

http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_406147.html

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After a refreshingly long hiatus, I’ve done an article as seen above. However don’t fret! Its for a school submission but I thought you guys would be interested nonetheless.

I guess I’m a tad disappointed that the article didn’t make the print edition, but nonetheless, it got published (partially). Better luck next time!

Keep checking back for more updates here. Work has been (and still is) a killer, positively of course.

Hang in there.