National Day

Dearest Princesses,

Today, we celebrate our country's 44th National Day - once again, this is the day our nation became independent.

Skyler, one of the lessons that you've learnt from school is the trappings of a national identity. Your teachers taught you how to sing the National Anthem 'Majulah Singapura' and how to stand when the Pledge is recited - with fist on heart. The amusing thing is you mispronounced most of the words of the Anthem! When we tried to correct you, you insisted that you knew the words and continued singing the Anthem using whatever sounds you liked! :D

You were also taught the song 'Count on Me, Singapore' and you came home teaching us the actions to go with the words. When the song was played during the broadcast of the National Day Parade / Show, you immediately got up to sing the song and perform the actions. It was so cute watching you do that as you had such an intense expression on your face while you did it! :D

Skyler, you're becoming a true blue Singaporean! :D

Ashley, obviously, you're too young to understand what is going on with regards to nationalism and such so you were tottering around the flat while all this was going on. Well, you'll learn soon enough, Lil One.

You girls will continue to learn what it means to be Singaporean as you grow older, Lil Ones. There is no rush as yet. Our country has achieved much over the years. However, the challenges facing our nation is still many. Your generation will have to face them soon enough.

Papa and Mama love you both lots!