Memories never forgotten (:

While crowds at Marina Bay jostled to catch the National Day Parade along the overhead bridges and home viewers catch the live telecast of the NDP at the comfort of their homes, I experience this national spectacle in a different light this year; as a participant- a cheerleader for the prologue for the parade.

I remembered clearly how we interacted with our schoolmates during our break times; asking what is the next step to this sequence or just reminding each other to stay focus. Such small little acts built up a better team spirit among us, so that we could better understand each other and even communicate 'secretly' during the parade itself, if need be.

Rehearsals after rehearsals we finally managed to put up a good show on the 9^th August. What thousands of Singaporeans see was just a spectacular parade. Some people might not even know the significance of it, some just stay at home to watch TV and take it as a day off, but I guess when you are in the middle of the stadium and looking up and seeing that everyone cheering, you realize that it is really a day to remember Singapore's independence. It is something to really treasure and take pride in.

I’ve learnt that showing we care for Singapore goes beyond the nationalistic pomp and pageantry of National Day. It is also about being proud that you are a citizen of this world-class city and that for our country to strive all of us have to work in partnership. Our forefathers have built up a strong foundation for us and we cannot afford to take what we have for granted. The generations who come after us need to know this in order to bring Singapore to greater heights.

Who better to teach this than youth like ourselves?

-Shermaine