CJ Report #2

CJ report #2: NDP 08!~ Celebrating the Singapore Spirit!

From a voice in the parade.

The day started off pretty well. As we trudged through Suntec convention to our holding area, today was different. The air was different, it was one of love and patriotism. The sounds were different, people were cheering for us in sporadic bursts. The sight was different, the whole complex was awash in a wonderful splash of red.

Security was abit different too. Every corner was seen to be filled up with a small patrol of policemen or other security forces. Checks were so numerous and extensive that normal proceedings took more then twice the time it usually took. Well, cant be blamed i suppose, security has never been something we Singaporeans took for granted.

Finally, the time came.

We lined ourselves up at the start point,ready for the march of our lives, ready to receive the honour and pride bestowed upon us ,ready to emerge before national television and play a proud role as the Guard of Honour contingent.

Just as we formed up, we saw a flash.

'Must be the cameras la' said one of us.

Another flash danced by, this time accompanied with the unmistakable roar of thunder.

Silence ensued.

'Oh my dear, whats gonna happen' was in everyone's minds.

Yet, there was no time to think as the band struck in unison into a rhythmic beat, and off we went into the cold drizzling road. A steely facade took over as everyone braced themselves for what lay ahead. Despite the rain, people thronged the streets, struggling to catch a glimpse of the smartly dressed Guard of Honour contingents, and furiously snapping away on their cameras. Nothing, it seems, much less rain could halt the celebration nor deter our iron-clad determination. On we marched to the holding area as we waited for our turn to make our entrance. The weather did not relent, with the drizzle getting heavier steadily and gusts of wind coming at us frequently. As we stood like statues, i entertained a silly thought.

'What if the rain became too heavy for the parade to carry on?'
As the situation role-played in my mind, i imagined marching in a torrent of wind and rain, against the backdrop of the occasional thunderclap, determined to see it through. Continuing its relentless assault, rain flooded the stadium and threatened to tear through our spirits. I envisaged disappointed spectators trudging out to the exits, and leaving the stadium in droves.

'What?! This is going to be the national day where i marched in and nobody bothered to even watch?How unlucky can we all get.' Then, I imagined seeing Mr Lee walk steadily to the saluting dais, confidently picked up the microphone and created magic.

'We, the citizens of Singapore!Pledge ourselves.........and progress for our nation!'

The whole nation stopped and looked, followed and stirred in the fiery patriotism embodied by the father of the nation.And he continued.

'People, citizens of Singapore. The president is not leaving. The ministers are not leaving. I am not leaving. We will sit through this trial, just like we have done for each and every one of our 43 years of independence. Come, my people, join me in challenging the rain for having the audacity to challenge our parade! ROAAAAAAARRAR!!!

The contingents stopped short of roaring.Although the cold torrential rain blasted on their face,each soldier stood still like a statue as they were commanded to be, but none could resist the 2 streams of hot patriotism rolling down their cheeks.

Never, never has such a nationalistic spirit been better demonstrated in the face of adversity and uncertainty. Together, as one.

"Hey we're leaving!" said someone nearby, and snapped me out of my imagination. The rain died down and the sun was warming up. We're going in. Well, that might not have happened, but it was well dormant in each and every of our hearts, ready to be unleashed if summoned.

The parade then properly continued without a glitch, very much routine. My imagination didn't get a chance to be played out, though.Yet, without a doubt,I believe that if any crises did happen, nothing could stand in the way of our steely determination and daunting spirit, considering the rain as the most minor of causes.

What a thought that was.Cheers to the Singapore spirit!