Post reflection on "The Soldier"

This is the poem "The Soldier" for your reference:

If I should die, think only this of me:   
That there's some corner of a foreign field
 That is for ever England.  There shall be
  In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
 A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
 Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
 A body of England's, breathing English air,
 Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,  
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less     
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
 Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
  And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
 In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

Young men in Singapore, including you, will have to do National Serivce. 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 passion and patriotism Singaporeans have for our country? Why? Do you have this same spirit of patriotism for Singapore? Why?

Consider your loyalty to Hwa Chong. Are you proud to be a Hwa Chongian? How have you shown your loyalty and pride as a student of Hwa Chong?

1)Why do you think National Service is compulsory in Singapore and why is it important?

My Answer: I think it is compulsory as Singapore is a small but rapidly growing country and she needs all the help she can get if we were ever thinking of sustaining any attack from other countries. National Service is also a platform for people from all walks of life to come together and serve the nation. It also promotes racial harmony and a sense of belonging to our country. National Service is important as it has been an integral part of Singapore's defence, providing peace and prosperity for the nation for more than 30 years. Apart from fulfilling military requirements, National Service has also played an important role in nation building. By bringing young Singapore from diverse backgrounds together, it helps to forge unity and cohesion among Singaporeans.

2)Do you find this same spirit of passion and patriotism Singaporeans have for our country? Why?

My Answer: To be honest, I don't really think I'm at that level of passion and patriotism for Singapore. Maybe its because I'm of a rather young age and the pride for our country has not completely settled in. Although, during times like NDP when I see over tens and thousands of people standing up and taking the pledge simultaneously, I have that "proud adrenaline" that slides down my body.

3)Are you proud to be a Hwa Chongian? How have you shown your loyalty and pride as a student of Hwa Chong?

My Answer: Of course, I'm proud to be a Hwa Chongian. Hwa Chong is one of the best schools in Singapore and the WORLD. To even be able to study here, I already feel lucky and privileged. Whenever, be it on my way home, making my way to tuition, I never I mean never forget that I'm a student of the world class institution. Giving seats up to those that need it, helping the elderly...Name it, I've done it.

Well, thats the end of my blog post
You'll hear from me soon :)
Wei Jin