Reflections on Singapore's 60th birthday

The old guard wrote their stories, and for our generation, we will have our own stories to pass down

- Michael Han

About one month has passed since we celebrated our 60th year of nation-building.

One of the highlights was the many National Day Parade attendees who held up placards with the opening phrase, "I want to____".

One enthused participant wrote: I want to make my country and my family proud. Another read: I want to get Als.

A child expressed this undaunted hope: I want to have world peace.

A few of the messages were more down to earth. I want to get a good number for BTO (Build-To-Order flat). I want to have another baby. I want to win $10 million Toto.

As fireworks and fly-bys filled the Marina Bay skyline on Aug 9, Singaporeans' hopes and dreams lifted spirits and warmed hearts with levity and optimism.

As I was browsing through the coverage in The Straits Times, the wish of a little girl caught my attention: I want to be a part of a positive change.

That nudged me to reflect. Aren't we all part of a positive change in whatever roles we play in this country? Whether we are students or lifelong learners, spouses or parents, employees or employers, social workers or civil servants, the journey of nation-building is like a relay race.

The generation before us ran that race as pioneers and founders after securing full independence.

At some point, they passed the baton to the next generation. And the next generation stands ready to run with it.

We have been running this relay-marathon since then, striving to build a place that we and our children can call home.

FOOLS AND IMMORTALS

Some years back, I read the 2022 book, The Last Fools: The Eight Immortals Of Lee Kuan Yew, edited by former ST news editor Peh Shing Huei.