When my grandfather was still alive, he will always gather all my siblings and myself every year when NDP approaches. He will share with us this story. Its a long read so do bear with my late grandpa yah...
Grandpa said : (Translated)
I am going to give you a reason to celebrate watching the NDP show later tonight. I don't want you to see NDP as just some lame fireworks but see the true meaning of our independence.
Last time when your dad was still young, he followed me and your grandma to town. Your aunt was there too. Back then they were so small, as small as you guys. We took the bus.
Suddenly, there was a commotion and people started screaming all over. "Cina Melayu gadoh Cina Melayu gadoh" (Chinese and Malays are fighting x2) A man came knocking on the bus' windows signalling to us to get out of the bus and run.
The four of us alighted and started running. Me, your grandma , your dad and your aunt. We saw this group of angry men running towards us with parangs(large knife) in their hands. Some with broken bottles. We had nowhere to run and we can never outrun them for sure. We were doomed indefinitely.
Luckily, God permits, a Chinese taxi driver stop his vehicle in front of us and opened the door for us. He shouted " Masok! masok, Lu mau mati ka? Masok lah cepat!" (Get in! get in ! do you want to stay alive? then get in") We got in and he drove us to safety.
From here kids, I want you all to learn something. Even though the whole world may think that Malays and Chinese can never live together, all it takes is just one kind soul to make us believe that racial harmony is possible after all. We are truly grateful of him and without his kind act, you guys would not be sitting here listening to this story.
The world can be a nicer place to live in if you choose to make it one. Always choose your actions as to how you want the world to be.
Grandpa ended story. We watched the NDP celebrations later that night with more conviction and appreciation of Singapore's independence day.
That is my share on NDP. Missing my grand-dad so much. Love you Tok(Grandpa)
Its beyond amazing to note that Singapore has strived so much for the last 45 years. As a young nation, I pray that Singapore will continue to achieve success in many other areas for us to be proud of. Great Job, Singapore!
An inspiring poem to share with all. A poem worthy to reflect Singapore's strive since its independence. Enjoy!
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. (William Ernest Henley)
Happy 45th birthday Singapore :)I am proud to be a Singaporean as we have achieved so much for such a small country. May we continue to strive to give our best....
Happy Birthday Singapore. The theme of fly our flag is great but a little bit taken literally by the locals. Singapore flags are hanged and wet clothes are hanged over them. Flags tied on the bonnet of the car/taxi. A little respect need to be shown for our Nation's Flag. For me personally, I fing the little mini flags on cars distracting.
Nonetheless, keep the spirits high and celebrate our Nation's Birthday wherever we might be during the holiday. Because it's nt the place but the heart that matters.
I believe Singapore is held by a pair of strong and loving arms, shielded by harm and natural calamities so often and led by leaders of vision, integrity and humility. God bless this nation.
Happy Birthday Singapore!!! Hope we can stand together and continue to strive for many more good years. Yeh!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen my grandfather was still alive, he will always gather all my siblings and myself every year when NDP approaches. He will share with us this story. Its a long read so do bear with my late grandpa yah...
ReplyDeleteGrandpa said : (Translated)
I am going to give you a reason to celebrate watching the NDP show later tonight. I don't want you to see NDP as just some lame fireworks but see the true meaning of our independence.
Last time when your dad was still young, he followed me and your grandma to town. Your aunt was there too. Back then they were so small, as small as you guys. We took the bus.
Suddenly, there was a commotion and people started screaming all over. "Cina Melayu gadoh Cina Melayu gadoh" (Chinese and Malays are fighting x2) A man came knocking on the bus' windows signalling to us to get out of the bus and run.
The four of us alighted and started running. Me, your grandma , your dad and your aunt. We saw this group of angry men running towards us with parangs(large knife) in their hands. Some with broken bottles. We had nowhere to run and we can never outrun them for sure. We were doomed indefinitely.
Luckily, God permits, a Chinese taxi driver stop his vehicle in front of us and opened the door for us. He shouted " Masok! masok, Lu mau mati ka? Masok lah cepat!" (Get in! get in ! do you want to stay alive? then get in") We got in and he drove us to safety.
From here kids, I want you all to learn something. Even though the whole world may think that Malays and Chinese can never live together, all it takes is just one kind soul to make us believe that racial harmony is possible after all. We are truly grateful of him and without his kind act, you guys would not be sitting here listening to this story.
The world can be a nicer place to live in if you choose to make it one. Always choose your actions as to how you want the world to be.
Grandpa ended story. We watched the NDP celebrations later that night with more conviction and appreciation of Singapore's independence day.
That is my share on NDP. Missing my grand-dad so much. Love you Tok(Grandpa)
Its beyond amazing to note that Singapore has strived so much for the last 45 years. As a young nation, I pray that Singapore will continue to achieve success in many other areas for us to be proud of. Great Job, Singapore!
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring poem to share with all. A poem worthy to reflect Singapore's strive since its independence. Enjoy!
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
(William Ernest Henley)
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Singapore :)
ReplyDeleteMay you continue to weather all storms and rise up with wings like eagles..=)
Happy 45th birthday Singapore :)I am proud to be a Singaporean as we have achieved so much for such a small country. May we continue to strive to give our best....
ReplyDeleteWe might be a dot, but the mark we make in the world is definitely the opposite of that! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Singapore.... may Mr Leo stay stable, strong and running!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Singapore. The theme of fly our flag is great but a little bit taken literally by the locals. Singapore flags are hanged and wet clothes are hanged over them. Flags tied on the bonnet of the car/taxi. A little respect need to be shown for our Nation's Flag. For me personally, I fing the little mini flags on cars distracting.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, keep the spirits high and celebrate our Nation's Birthday wherever we might be during the holiday. Because it's nt the place but the heart that matters.
Happy brithday,I Love you.
ReplyDeleteKeep Her flag unfurl, Singapore!
ReplyDeletethis is my home
ReplyDeleteHappy 45th birthday Singapore I Love Singapore!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday singapore!!!!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday singapore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<3
ReplyDeleteI believe Singapore is held by a pair of strong and loving arms, shielded by harm and natural calamities so often and led by leaders of vision, integrity and humility. God bless this nation.
ReplyDelete