The Dead Cockroach: Happy 50th Birthday, Singapore!

Singapore's 50th birthday celebrations at the Padang has just come to a close but it was no birthday like any other for it is her Golden Jubilee.

It has been fifty years of Independence since our separation from Malaysia. It was a big blow to us then, when we were chased out of the door with nothing to our names and had to fend for ourselves. However, one very brave man took charge and lead us to a brighter future. He is non other than our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Fifty years on, our progress is evident for all to see but it was no mean feat though, as our forefathers have paved the way for us - their future generations - with sweat, blood and tears.

This National Day Parade evoked many memories for Singaporeans. It seemed more memorable to hold this year's parade at the Padang where our first National Day Parade took place. We were reminded of the many challenges Singapore faced when we first became independent and how Singaporeans overcame these challenges together to get to where we are today. We have built a beautiful country where people of diverse beliefs and cultures live, work and play together.

The parade might be over but, the celebration of our nation's progress and unity continues. We must not be complacent and take any of this for granted. We should continue to work hard at building our ties and relations with one another so that Singapore will continue to thrive as a nation for the next 50 years and beyond.

Our Golden Jubilee is such a special year for us but regrettably, Mr Lee passed away on 23 March 2015, just a few months short of our birthday. Nevertheless, a seat has been left vacant in honor of our founding father at the parade.

#NDP2015: In loving memory. Live blog here: str.sg/ZnmzThe specimen of orchid had been christened the Aranda Lee Kuan...
Posted by The Straits Times on Sunday, 9 August 2015

The specimen of orchid had been christened the Aranda Lee Kuan Yew earlier this year in honour of the late former Prime Minister. The bright golden yellow flower, with a green tinge, is from the same line that yielded one named for his beloved wife, the Vanda Kwa Geok Choo. - Source

This is the first year that Mr Lee is absent from our National Day Parade thus before the parade begins, a moving tribute dedicated to the man is in order.