We will start off the Gathering with a recitation of the National Pledge (not Aspiration). It is a Pledge that has bonded Singaporeans for 44 years. Note: We will keep to the wordings of the National Pledge involving the citizens.
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
Peace, progress and happiness
For our nation.
The National Pledge was recited on our National Day exactly at 8:22 p.m. We will be reciting the National Pledge again at 8:22, i.e. August 22, at Hong Lim Park. This is a good omen.
Remember: our struggle to get fair compensation is based on justice, which is a key value in our National Pledge.
Tan Kin Lian
10 comments:
Dear Mr Tan,
Mr Lee KY already said yesterday, there is not real equality. The Pledge is only a wish or dream, it may not be achievable in Singapore forever.
Since oldman Lee said there is not real equality, what he said make a mockery of the meaning of this Pledge. So why say it. It's deceiving.
Dear Kin Lian,
Please be aware, if you modify the content do NOT call it National Pledge!!!
I don't belivee in the pledge anymore after how i am treated in this minibond
Can I tell my wife that the wedding vow was only a aspiration. For example, I aspire to love her in sickness or health.
So, when healthy it is a vow; when sick it is an aspiration which may take 200 years to achieve like the Americans!
Ever wonder who has hifalutin ideas? Who wrote the pledge? with whose approval?
Singapore National Pledge
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Singapore National Pledge is an oath of allegiance to Singapore.
It is commonly recited by Singaporeans in unison at public events, especially in schools, in the Singapore Armed Forces and during the National Day Parade.
Origin
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The National Pledge was written by Sinnathamby Rajaratnam in 1966 shortly after Singapore's independence. Rajaratnam revealed that the dream was to build "a Singapore we are proud of".
He believed that language, race and religion were divisive factors, but the Pledge emphasises that these differences can be overcome if Singaporeans cared enough about their country.
The draft text was handed to the then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who polished the text before submitting it to the Cabinet.
The Pledge
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The words of the National Pledge are:
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.
Guidelines for Usage
---------------------
The Singapore government's guidelines for the use of the pledge are:
1.The National Pledge is recited in schools during assemblies, during SAF Day, during the National Day Parade, and at National Day Observance Ceremonies.
2.Individuals reciting the Pledge shall clench their right fists to the left side of their chests as a gesture to symbolise loyalty to the nation.
3.The Pledge shall not be used for any commercial purposes.
Dictionary's definition of the word "Pledge".
- Please study it carefully.
- It will be worth your time
- We spent 10 years of primary & secondary school reciting "The Pledge"
- About time we learn what it really means
Source:
Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary
copyright 1987, reprint 1994.
reference page 1,099
1. A pledge is a solemn promise or guarantee to do or provide something, especially one that is made by a government, politician etc.
2. If someone pledges something, they promise solemnly that they will do or provide a particular thing.
3. If you pledge yourself or someone else to something or to do something, you commit yourself or that person solemnly to follow a particular course of action or to support a particular person, group or idea.
4. If you pledge your word, you make a solemn promise, implying that if you do not fulfill it you will not expect people to believe you ever again.
What the garmen is saying the pledge is just an aspiration & not a reality for equality. This is just like a wayang, saying is one thing & doing is another thing, don't have to fulfil; i.e empty promise, no guarantee. Then why say the pledge if the words are not honoured.
There is nothing wrong with aspirations.
I aspire to stand up for Singapore.
I aspire to defend Singapore.
Does this not make you feel better and more secure?
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