Cohesion Day 02 Feb 09

Cohesion Day Pic with my trainees. Had gathering at East Coast Park. Backdated 2 Feb 09.

Monuments

It's been some time since I last blog about something. After a long hiatus, I am penning this down as I found it rather meaningful. A National Education been scheduled for Total Defence to allow the instructors and trainees to visit some of the monuments that tribute lives sacrificed during the Second World War.

Looking at some of the images, let’s recall the background behind these monuments.

Tan Kim Seng Fountain created in memorial to Mr Tan Kim Seng. A philanthropist, he had donated generous sum of money to construct a system to provide piped water to town.

The Cenotaph was erected in memory of those who sacrificed their lives in First World War. It was decided after Second World War, the memorial should also remember those who sacrificed their lives too.

In remembrance of war hero Mr Lim Bo Seng, the monument, Lim Bo Seng Memorial was built. He sacrificed his life to protect his fellow comrades from being captured by the Japanese Army.

Lastly, the Civilian War Memorial is dedicated to those who perished during the Japanese Occupation. The four pillars rise to pinnacle of 92.5 metres symbolized shared experiences by the four major races. Remains of unidentified war victims were buried beneath the monument.

There was also a guest presenter who shared something that do trigger my mind on how pampered we are now. He did mention on why people no longer find it meaningful to celebrate Chinese New Year. It is true that when I was young, I do look forward to CNY as it’s only during that period I do get to have a sumptuous meal. Even for soft drinks, I do get to drink it to my heart fulfill. Yes, indeed, our lives are better and we can get new clothes any time when we only get to do so before its CNY.

Signing off.