A Nation Celebrates

9th August 2006, Singapore celebrates its 41st year of independence. Perhaps
many Singaporeans has already been desensitized by all the seemingly identical
and repeated celebrations that happen on this day, such that 9th August holds no
significance at all to the people of the nation. But we must think, know and
remember the significance of this day, of this independence, in order to fully
understand why many people, including yours truly, hold this particular day
close their hearts.

9th August 1965, thats exactly 41 years ago. A time of turmoil for an island
of people. Led by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Singaporeans faced a period
of time that could easily mean the end of an entire nation. Singapore, a part of
Malaysia at that time, faces seperation from the peninsula due to differences
that could not be resolved by both parties. Lee Kuan Yew, knowing that Malaysia
would be vital to our survival, could only weep as he announces this seperation
to the nation. No one thought good of Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew himself probably
foresaw what problems could come in the way of the country now that it is by
itself, but he had one thing in mind - he was not going to admit defeat.

So after that fateful day on 1965, the prime minister then and minister
mentor now set plans to work things out. Everybody looked at how Singapore
struggled to climb out of the pit that we were in. Unemployment, a lack of a
defence force, lack of investments, poor housing, poor education, high crime
rates, poor organization of the city, lack of health services, lack of food etc.
Everything that a poorly managed country can face. It was definitely a deep low
for Singapore. But no, Lee Kuan Yew won't take it this way, the rest of
Singapore won't take it lying down as well. Singapore, as a nation, was
determined to pull themselves out of it.

So the problems were tackled one by one. The HDB was set up and all
Singaporeans were housed up in their flats. National Service was made compulsory
and Singapore had its own defence force. Primary education made compulsory and
we saw ourselves educated. The plans just rolled out and we see the knot in our
nation getting untangled.

Right now, look at ourselves. 41 years later, from being looked down and
trying to save our own lives, Singapore has grown to be world class, being
leaders in industries, and helping others in need. And now, we are becoming a
global city. This didn't come easy. It came with trials, turmoils, and
difficulties. And this is the reason we celebrate.

What makes a nation? Is it the place? Is it the government? Is it the
resources? No, its the people. We, Singaporeans, make Singapore to be what it
is. A nation cannot function if it is not united. That is why we have these
celebrations. To remind us of where we come from, and to celebrate our success
today. To keep us united, for it was unity that helped Singapore from becoming a
3rd world country to a 1st world country.

I love my country. I love Singapore. I am proud to be Singaporean. And 9th
August always have a special place in my heart.