Singapore, My Home

Granted, the title is a little cheesy. But I am a true blue Singaporean and proud to be one. Well, maybe proud of my country but at many times turned off by my so-called fellow Singaporeans.

Anyway, today's post is inspired by our national anthem, Majulah Singapura.

You see, lately, Master B has decided to have a say in his lullabies. 10 seconds into a song he chose he decided he wants another. So much so I have ran out of kiddy songs and somehow I decided our national anthem might just do the work. It is soooo s..l..o...w. Turned out it worked. So today I decided to do it again, and it worked again. Then I started singing all the "old" national songs we used to sing and practice in school. "Count on me, Singapore", "Singapore Town", "One People, One Nation, One Singapore", "We Are Singapore".

"We Are Singapore" is one of my favourites, amongst many others. And as I was singing this to B, tears welled. Surprise surprise. We are talking about the Queen of Crying here. But it dawned on me, no doubt not the first time, how far indeed, Singapore has came along.

There was a time, where people said that Singapore, won't make it, but we did.
There was a time, where troubles seemed too much for us to take it, but we did.
We built a nation, strong and free
Reaching out together, for peace and harmony.

This is my country
This is my flag
This is my future
This is my life
This is my family, these are my friends
We are Singapore, Singaporeans

Argh, even as I typed this, I get the goosebumps.

Well, I may not be the pioneer generation. Nor have I gone through those said difficult times. But I have heard from my parents and grandparents first-hand encounters, I have read about it and more importantly, I am proud of where we are today. As a young, small and vulnerable nation, we have accomplished much. Not wanting to compare or diss other countries, but there are other nations out there with far more natural resources, stronger, deeper history than us, who are no where near us. That, we have to be thankful of what we have today.

Sure, there are much to gripe about. But gripes, complaints, grievances exist every where. Every country and government has their own issues, pros and cons. That, to my fellow Singaporeans, I say:

Stand up, for Singapore
Do the best you can
Reach out for your fellow men
You've got to make a stand
Recognise you can play your part
Let it come right from your heart
Be prepared to give a little more
Stand up, stand up for Singapore.

I once wrote a letter to the PM (yes I did!) after the Punggol East by-election. And you know what? It was forwarded to the Minister of Culture, Community and Youth and we exchanged a few emails. His ending words to me? "Do your part for Singapore, be louder than the opposition supporters in the social media platform. Do whatever you can to speak up for the people who share the same views as you".

I try. :)