Monday, June 27, 2011
Post Reflection"The Soldier" By Rupert Brooke
Occasionally, Singapore needs young man to defend the country. These young man have to go through National Service, which might seem to be a pain in the neck. Youngsters nowadays are so used to comfortable lives that they have no sense of patriotism or even concern for their own country. This is something really important that we have to reflect upon and the compulsory NS can at least encourage the younger generations to show how important their job is to serve the county as Singapore's future depends on them. Through trainings, they will understand how their dads, grandfathers had defended the country previously. Without them, Singapore would not have her prosperity and success. It is through NS that they realise things should not be taken for granted and it is unity that they can create a better and stronger Singapore. In the poem, the soldier showed that he is willing to sacrifice the most out of himself, for Great England has given him so much and he himself being so insignificant. He is a loyal soldier, and has no fears of war. Nature is also incorporated into the poem, to show the pride in the soldier himself to sacrifice for such a country of abundance and filled with pastoral beauty. England was also emphasized several times to show the status and importance of it in the soldiers heart. He fears no Death and merely takes it with a pinch of salt, stating that as another way to reunite with his homeland, to enjoy the land blessed by warm sunlight and blessed by raging rivers and be rejoined with God and English Heaven. I believe I have some sort of patriotism. Although I am a foreigner and I feel extremely proud for my own country-- Taiwan. I also feel proud for Singapore's success. I find it extremely important to have the spirit to love your country and think about how you can contribute. The spirit of patriotism can be very much found lively in Singapore, form the breath-taking views of jet planes and roaring sounds during the NDP, we know that we have a very group of fine soldiers--- PROTECTING US :)
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Hi, I am Darrel. I like your point on the fact that we youngsters, are able to understand what our ancestors have gone through in protecting Singapore then. However, besides the physical change they will have, how will they change mentally? Maybe we, youngsters may become stronger in mentality and not give up so easily after we go for NS?
ReplyDeleteYeah it is hard to not notice that people nowadays are becoming more and more sluggish and inactive. They tend to let their grades take over their lives and force them, or rather force themselves, to do things that are only beneficial to their grades. This means that there is no chance of developing a sense of patriotism with this mindset of "study, Study and STUDY". It is a sad fact that many people are fearing NS and are complaining about it when it is what every man in Singapore has to go though. Generations of men went through this types of training which gives you no reason why you would not be able to survive.
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