1) Annually we need young men in Singapore to do National Service. Why do you think National Service is compulsory in Singapore and why is this important?
Singapore has a small population, and as such, does not have the luxury to make serving in the army a regular job, in which people are paid to defend the nation; even if it was, the army of regualrs would definitely not be sufficient to maintain a strong military defence force. Furthermore, the nation does not have enough financial resources to pay those working soldiers who serve the army as a job.
Singapore has a small population, and as such, does not have the luxury to make serving in the army a regular job, in which people are paid to defend the nation; even if it was, the army of regualrs would definitely not be sufficient to maintain a strong military defence force. Furthermore, the nation does not have enough financial resources to pay those working soldiers who serve the army as a job.
National service is important as it forges between Singaporeans from all walks of life, and fosters racial harmony between the various ethnic groups, allowing them to find a common identity and purpose in serving their nation. It also develops ruggedness in Singaporean men, pushing them to their physical limits, thus allowing them to achieve physical fitness and be ready to defend their nation if need be, reservist or recruit.
2)In the poem the speaker expresses his love for his country, England. Do you have this same spirit of patriotism towards Singapore? Why? Do you find this same spirit of patriotism in Singapore? Why? Do you consider yourself a patriot to your country?
2)In the poem the speaker expresses his love for his country, England. Do you have this same spirit of patriotism towards Singapore? Why? Do you find this same spirit of patriotism in Singapore? Why? Do you consider yourself a patriot to your country?
The speaker evidently views his country as a great mother figure, which provides him with a last gift, an English heaven, and peace even in death. I do feel patriotism towards Singapore (though not to the extent of being a patriot, as I have not shown any actual devotion), being the country in which I grew up and was nurtured, a country which guides me - and possibly other Singaporeans- toward success, allowing us to soar and achieve our dreams. It is both home and a metaphorical "mother". Yes, I do find patriotism in Singapore: the glory of our soldiers in serving their nation, the cheers of the people when they fly the flag, the way their hearts soar as they sing the anthem, and the pride that the elders, veterans, and even MM Lee, show when they share the story. That is evidence of patriotism.
