MAJULAH SINGAPURA
Mari kita rakyat Singapura
Sama-sama menuju bahagia
Cita-cita kita yang mulia
Berjaya Singapura
Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang baru
Semua kita berseru
Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura
The Origin
The National Anthem was written in the wake of nationalism during 1956-57. Its composer, the late Encik Zubir Said, had written it on the basis of two words, "Majulah Singapura" or "Onward Singapore". The patriotic song was first performed by the Singapore Chamber Ensemble on the occasion of the opening of the newly renovated Victoria Theatre. It was launched on 3 December 1959 together with the National Flag and the State Crest, at the installation of the new Head of State, Yang di-Pertuan Negara, at the City Hall steps. Upon independence in 1965, "Majulah Singapura" was adopted as the republic's National Anthem.
Its Meaning
ONWARD SINGAPORE
(English Translation)
We, the people of Singapore
Together march towards happiness
Our noble aspiration
To make Singapore a success
Let us all unite
In a new spirit
Together we proclaim
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore
THE PLEDGE
The Origin
Initially penned by Mr S Rajaratnam in 1966, the Pledge was written against the backdrop of racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s. Mr Rajaratnam revealed that the dream was about building "a Singapore we are proud of". He believed that language, race and religion were divisive factors, but the Pledge emphasizes that these differences can be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country. The draft text was handed to the then Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who polished the text before submitting it to the Cabinet.
OUR PLEDGE
We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.
The Officer's Creed
I am an Officer of the Singapore Armed Forces.
My Duty is to lead, to excel and to overcome..
I lead my men by example.
I answer for their training, morale and discipline.
I must excel in everything I do.
I serve with pride, honour and integrity.
I will overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination.
I dedicate my life to Singapore
The Officer's Creed was unveiled by Lieutenant-General Winston Choo, Chief of Defence Force in the inauguration ceremony of the restructed officer cadet course (OCC) in 1990. It was also approved by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr Goh Chok Tong at that time.
CDF described the creed as encompassing the values which the SAF cherished: loyalty to the country, leadership, professionalism, ethical conduct, discipline, care of soldiers and a fighting spirit. This is in turn being emphasized in OCS to officers and officer cadets.
DUTY, HONOUR, COUNTRY
The first motto of OCS was 'Duty, Honour, Country'. These motto and moral ideals started with the SMC batches. The stated ideals of OCS were also inscribed in the former OCS song. These three hallowed words reverently dictate what a cadet ought to be, what builds courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be a little cause in faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.
'Duty' is the dedication to service, and is the sense of obligation, which leads on to do his best in every situation. It is the willingness to live within all regulations or directives regardless of origin. 'Honour' is the integrity of an officer, in both word and deed. It is especially important in today's battlefield as the cohesion and the solidarity of the combat unit in battle and its reliable and effective performance rest heavily upon the honour of its leaders on all levels. 'Country' reminds us that all Singaporeans are expected to be loyal to our country. This obligation as officer in the military is much greater as he is a member of the organisation that could do Singapore and its citizens the greatest amount of damage if misled.
TO LEAD, TO EXCEL, TO OVERCOME
The current motto 'To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome' was introduced to OCS in September 1990 when the Officer Cadet Course (OCC) started and is quoted from the Officer's creed. It was directly taken out of a speech made by then CDF Lieutenant- General Winston Choo. He said: "In battle, the Officer's Creed will guide your thinking and actions. In dire combat, when courage falters and further struggle seems hopeless, ' To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome' will be a rallying call to build courage and restore hope."
Life in OCS
INITIATION FORTNIGHT
In the first two weeks of the tri-service term, special activities in addition to the normal lessons and training are conducted for the new cadets. The fortnight impresses on the cadets the need for a strong character, self-discipline, personal accountability and sound military habits.
These activities include an orientation run around SAFTI-MI to familiarise cadets to the SAFTI landmarks and a cool dip where cadets will jump from a 3 metre diving platform to test their confidence and force them to summon up their courage in the face of a challenge. Frequent turnouts are conducted to instil a sense of discipline and to remind the cadets of the importance of being ready at all times for 'operational uncertainty’. A tower run at the SAFTI Tower reminds the cadets that they are training in a Tri-Service Institute and as they co-operate with one another as they climb up the tower, they should learn to integrate and bond as tri-service cadets.
INITIATION CEREMONY
The highlight of the Initiation Fortnight is the Initiation Ceremony held at the end of the fortnight to initiate the freshmen cadets to the Corps of Officer Cadets. In the early days of the school, there was no Initiation Fortnight and thus the Initiation Ceremony was held on the second day of joining OCS.
The cadets are turned out on the day of the ceremony to instil in them a sense of urgency and discipline. The ceremony marks the beginning of the grooming process of the cadets to become commissioned officers of the SAF. Senior cadets are involved in the ceremony to signify the passing on of the OCS tradition of the "Light of Leadership" as symbolised by passing the torch and sword from the senior to freshman cadet. The Sword of Honour winner will also share his experiences with the cadets in order to motivate and challenge the freshmen cadets to excel in the Officer Cadet Course.
During the ceremony, the freshmen cadets are also familiarised with the Values of an Officer, i.e. the 7 Core Values, the Officer's Creed and also the Institute motto. The cadets are given the responsibility of not only learning to be a skilled practitioner of the art of war but also to be a bearer of personal attributes of a leader. Upon initiation, the freshmen cadets will now be completely immersed in the leadership training of the Officer Cadet Course.
SENIOR BAR PRESENTATION
The Senior Bar presentation signifies the beginning of the Professional term where the cadets will undergo their final 23 weeks of their training before commissioning as officers. The presentation is preceded by a 24km route march taking place the night before and will end close to dawn on top of Elephant hill. The location enables the cadets to have a panoramic view of Jurong Industrial Estate.
It is here that the cadets are reminded of the purpose of their training that is to defend the achievements of their nation that amongst other things have transformed a wasteland into an industrial estate that has brought prosperity to the nation. While the lives that the cadets lead are built upon the hard work of their predecessors, they should not take peace for granted and instead they must work hard to ensure the defence of the nation is adequate to maintain the prosperity of the nation. As officer cadets, they play an important role in leading the defence of the nation.
APPOINTMENT CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
The certificate presentation marks an important milestone in the life of the cadets as it confers upon them the appointment to the rank of 2nd lieutenant in the SAF. Before 1983, the graduates would gather in the Istana where the presentation would take place. However, the presentation is now held on SAFTI grounds a few days before the commissioning parade. Swords, scrolls and prizes are presented to the cadets dressed in their No.2 Dress Kit and the Sword of Honour winner will give his valedictory speech. The event evokes a sense of pride and achievement for the graduating cadets.
COMMISSIONING PARADE AND DINNER
The Commissioning Parade marks the end of the gruelling, testing and challenging course for the cadets with a grand and spectacular finale and also marks the graduation of the cadets into officers of the SAF. The cadets dressed in the No.1 dress of officers will march onto the Parade Square. They are inspected by a Reviewing Officer, perform a march past and undergo a forward review. Religious leaders will also bless the occasion. The graduating batch will also hand over the SAFTI Colours to the most senior batch of officer cadets.
They will also recite the SAF Pledge. Parents are then allowed onto the Parade Square to fix on the epaulettes on the newly commissioned officers.
Following the commissioning parade, the cadets will end the day with the Commissioning Dinner.
SAF PLedge
We, Members of the Singapore Armed Forces, Do solemnly and sincerely pledge that: We will always bear true faith and allegiance to the President and the Republic of Singapore. We will always support and defend the constitution. We will preserve and protect the honour and independence of our country with our lives.
The Combat Engineer Insignia
Gold Colour
The sterling qualities of the Engineers, namely their steadfast spirit and durable nature.
Black Colour
Our ability to provide continuous support throughout hours of darkness.
Castle
The solid construction power of the Engineers as seen in the bridges, fortifications, roads and obstacles often built by them. The interlocking bricks show the strength, endurance and high degree of teamwork required to accomplish engineer tasks.
Bayonet
Offensive spirit of the Engineers in piercing the enemy defences.
Twin Bolts of Lighting
Destructive demolition power of the Engineers
Motto
Seek- The essential Knowledge and Skills
Strive- towards greater Heights
Excel- In all task required of a combat Engineer
No comments:
Post a Comment