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http://therealsingapore.com/content/why-do-we-serve-national-service
[h=1]WHY DO WE SERVE NATIONAL SERVICE?[/h]
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The tedium was getting unbearable. I had been repeatedly lifting my ET (entrenching tool) stick and striking the soil to create my “improvised bed”. Though we had worked hard for three hours, progress was slow.
“Why do we need to do this?” my section-mate moaned in angst and frustration.
Finally, the whistle was blown, and we rushed towards the shade. Our sergeants were waiting there. Just as we got into our neat files and were looking forward to lunch, Sgt Y started his “lecture” on how much our families loved us and how we were not reciprocating.
We were initially shocked. Sgt Y was inclined to discourse on discipline and teamwork, but we never expected him to lecture on families and love. Our hunger pangs were getting harder to silence.
But these mundane concerns soon dissolved, replaced with ennobling, sublime reflections on duty and love, family and nation.
Sgt Y spoke from his heart on the importance of showing love to our family and on how the duty of caring for our loved ones fitted into the larger picture of serving the nation. His sense of responsibility and commitment was palpable and infectious.
As he wrapped up, other sergeants handed out letters from our parents. Even the most garrulous turned pensive. Everyone looked down at the letters and kept silent.
As I read mine, I realised the appalling gap between the innumerable sacrifices my parents had made for me and what I had done for them.
What Sgt Y had said resurfaced in my mind: “Your parents are doing so much for you. Put effort into your training so you can defend them when the time comes. Do them proud!” It was hard not to feel the impulse of positivity and duty coming from within.
I am not entirely sure what went through my friends’ minds. But it would be hard to believe that their experience was any different.
As we penned replies, it dawned on me how much our loved ones matter to us and that our will to defend our nation is determined by the collective awareness that each of these relationships, not just with our own loved ones, is precious.
I will defend my nation because I love my family; I do not want to let them down. But I also know that my responsibility does not end there.
As a citizen, part of a bigger family called Singapore, I understand how much my fellow Singaporeans cherish their loved ones. That strengthens my determination to protect our nation.
We passed our replies to our sergeants, had our lunch and returned to the field with vigour. I slung my rifle over my shoulder and lifted the ET stick once again.
Defending our nation feels like a burden at times.
But it is a burden I would rather have because, at least, I have a nation worth defending, one where all our loved ones live in peace and prosperity, assured of their security.
The writer completed his Basic Military Training over a year ago.
[h=2]MUTHHUKUMAR PALANIYAPAN[/h]
[h=1]WHY DO WE SERVE NATIONAL SERVICE?[/h]
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The tedium was getting unbearable. I had been repeatedly lifting my ET (entrenching tool) stick and striking the soil to create my “improvised bed”. Though we had worked hard for three hours, progress was slow.
“Why do we need to do this?” my section-mate moaned in angst and frustration.
Finally, the whistle was blown, and we rushed towards the shade. Our sergeants were waiting there. Just as we got into our neat files and were looking forward to lunch, Sgt Y started his “lecture” on how much our families loved us and how we were not reciprocating.
We were initially shocked. Sgt Y was inclined to discourse on discipline and teamwork, but we never expected him to lecture on families and love. Our hunger pangs were getting harder to silence.
But these mundane concerns soon dissolved, replaced with ennobling, sublime reflections on duty and love, family and nation.
Sgt Y spoke from his heart on the importance of showing love to our family and on how the duty of caring for our loved ones fitted into the larger picture of serving the nation. His sense of responsibility and commitment was palpable and infectious.
As he wrapped up, other sergeants handed out letters from our parents. Even the most garrulous turned pensive. Everyone looked down at the letters and kept silent.
As I read mine, I realised the appalling gap between the innumerable sacrifices my parents had made for me and what I had done for them.
What Sgt Y had said resurfaced in my mind: “Your parents are doing so much for you. Put effort into your training so you can defend them when the time comes. Do them proud!” It was hard not to feel the impulse of positivity and duty coming from within.
I am not entirely sure what went through my friends’ minds. But it would be hard to believe that their experience was any different.
As we penned replies, it dawned on me how much our loved ones matter to us and that our will to defend our nation is determined by the collective awareness that each of these relationships, not just with our own loved ones, is precious.
I will defend my nation because I love my family; I do not want to let them down. But I also know that my responsibility does not end there.
As a citizen, part of a bigger family called Singapore, I understand how much my fellow Singaporeans cherish their loved ones. That strengthens my determination to protect our nation.
We passed our replies to our sergeants, had our lunch and returned to the field with vigour. I slung my rifle over my shoulder and lifted the ET stick once again.
Defending our nation feels like a burden at times.
But it is a burden I would rather have because, at least, I have a nation worth defending, one where all our loved ones live in peace and prosperity, assured of their security.
The writer completed his Basic Military Training over a year ago.
[h=2]MUTHHUKUMAR PALANIYAPAN[/h]
