Q - Young man in Singapore, including you, will have to National Service. Why do you think National Service is compulsory in Singapore and why is it important? In the poem, the speaker expresses his love for his country, England. Do you find this same spirit of patriotism for Singapore? Why?
National Service was introduced in 1967 at an aim of building up the defense of the country. In the early years after Singapore independence in 1965, when the British army completely pulled out from Singapore, It needed urgently to build up its own defense capability. However, Singapore could not afford a large army of professional soldiers and thus manpower of the locals were required. Till now, National Service serves the purpose of enabling Singaporeans to have the skills to fight to defend Singapore. It also helps in providing social cohesion among different races of people in Singapore.
In the poem, the speaker expresses his love for his country. However, such spirit could hardly be found in Singapore. around 90% of Singaporeans hated National Service and hoped that such exercise does not exist. They feel the practice as burden. Nowadays most teenagers in Singapore have no sense of defending the country. They take the comfort and peace we are having now for granted.
Am I having this same spirit of patriotism for Singapore? To say the truth, obviously not! Although our primary school teacher always teach us that we must protect our country, who cares! We are force to participate in National Service without having a choice! It would not only delay our study and I am so sure that the poet was well influenced by his country and he volunteered for the military like some (very little amount) of Singaporeans who feel the need to protect and love the country.
