But, have you forgotten that we should not treat Peace for granted? Have you forgotten the day where the Japanese troops attack and drop the bomb in Singapore on 15 February 1942.
It was the day where the Chinese started their first day of Chinese New Year and it was the day where the Chinese welcoming the year of the Horse. Everyone was not expected the war will broke off during this day.
The Chinese thought that the Japanese more or less share the same culture and the same God (Buddhist) and they (Japanese) should not be attacking Singapore! Actually, everyone knew and heard the rumors that Singapore might be targeted and the war will be coming in Singapore.
Everyone thought that the then British colony will protected the people here in Singapore. As the British told the people that, they had enough army and they had planted battles box in several important locations to protect the offshore of Singapore island.
And everyone do not have the sense of belonging as they (migrants) do not treat Singapore as their homeland. As that time, people from China, Indian, the then Malayan or others came here (Singapore) to work and strive for fortune. After they earn some money, they will return to their country.
The migrants do not even thought of protecting of Singapore and they depend on the British. But, yet, the nightmare had came!! the Japanese troops had attacked Singapore and they drop the bomb!!
This is the biggest nightmare and the worst Chinese New Year that the Chinese migrants had faced! Soon, Singapore surrendered to Japanese. Singapore is now known as Syonan-to. Many lives are lost each days. The army from the Australian, the British, The Indian and even the migrants who joined to fight against the Japanese and defence Singapore!
Many people lost their hope. Many people also hoped that the war would end soon.. As
Bible verse quoted: Romans 12:12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.
This is the long wait and bitter life for the people living in Singapore. Soon, the Japanese finally surrendered on 2 September 1945. The migrants realized that they should not depend on the British and they also realized that they treat Singapore as their homeland!
This is where the migrants from difference races began to have the sense of belonging in Singapore! This is where they will fight for freedom, this is where they will settle down, this is where they treat Singapore as their homeland!
Soon, Singapore granted Self governance, then Merge with Malayan to form Malaysia. And on the 9th of August 1965, Singapore become independent country.
Singapore government decided that Singapore National language will be Malay because of the long history and one common working language, English. Where difference races speak the same language and able to understand each other. Everyone hold the same citizenship, all races have their own freedom to worship their God.
Singapore government implement National Service (NS) which is also known as Army, Navy, Air force, Civil Defence, where all men citizens reach the age of 18 will be serving the nation and protect the country. It is also let all the males citizen to have the sense of belonging and loyalty to Singapore.
In Singapore, everyone share the same equal opportunity to achieve their goals, all races can get together very well, everyone respect each other cultures.
No matter where they go, they will shine Singapore flag. They will make Singapore proud. Despite their little success, yet people will know where we came from.
When you travel to foreign land, when people knew that you are from Singapore, they will start compliment and respect you. Like, I love Singapore, it is beautiful and it is so clean! Singapore is a fined city. Singapore is safe and so on.. And, you will feel proud to be Singaporean.
In time of needs, Singaporean will help each others and show our care to others. Singapore is passionate city. No matter where you go or you try to hide your identity, people can tell that you are from Singapore.
You will missed the time where you are still Singapore. You will miss the MRT, the foods, the Esplanade, the days you are serving the NS and most importantly your families and friends.
Singapore is our home and it is where we belong. Let us do not take our peace and racial harmony for granted. Will you defence Singapore? Will you protect Singapore? Let us have the sense of belonging in Singapore.
Let us celebrate the Total Defence Day which held on the 15 of February each year.
Please visit to the Total Defence Day official website at: http://www.totaldefence.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/totaldefence/home.html
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