Singaporeans have often been criticized for being overly proud, or even arrogant about our achievements as a nation. But then, to be fair, do we not have some justification? After all, we celebrate the fighting spirits of those who push on in life despite obstacles of illness, poverty etc. As a nation which is just a little dot on the world map, with no natural resources, we are a metropolitan city with world famous brands in just over forty years. We have put our stamp on the world. We play on the same field as countries with hundreds and thousands of years behind them. Have we not shown the same spirit?
To quote one of the national songs:
There was a time when people said
That Singapore won’t make it, but we did
There was a time when troubles seemed too much
For us to take, but we did
We built a nation, strong and free, reaching out together
For peace and harmony
Excerpt from “We are Singapore”
So, Happy Birthday Singapore. I am proud and happy to be a Singaporean.
They didn’t perform my favorite song at the National Day Parade today, so I’ll just treat myself to a little music video.
Edit: I couldn't get the video embedded for some reason. Those interested can try this link.
Home (Music and Lyrics: Dick Lee)
Whenever I am feeling low
I look around me and I know
There’s a place that will stay within me
Wherever I may choose to go
I will always recall the city
Know every street and shore
Sail down the river which brings us life
Winding through my Singapore
Chorus:
This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won’t be alone,
For this is where I know it’s home
When there are troubles to go through
We’ll find a way to start anew
There is comfort in the knowledge
That home’s about its people too
So we’ll build our dreams together
Just like we’ve done before
Just like the river which brings us life
There’ll always be Singapore
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