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Singapore: A harsh mistress

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It is very warm. It is also humid, but what else would you expect? Singapore is roughly 60 miles North of the Equator and essentially has no seasons.

The young National Servicemen are in formation. Only a couple of days into their training, but today’s events will confirm the change in their lives. In a special ceremony the lads will be issued their rifles and will swear a special oath to their country.

Rifle issue ceremony | Singapore archives

An American with an opportunity to have been present the past couple of days will have noticed several things that make this Asian army sui generis [of its kind; in a class by itself; unique.] The young soldiers themselves are descendants of ancestors from many countries and many religions. Chinese, Vietnamese, Malay, Indian, Thai, with some Europeans and Japanese thrown into the mix. Hindu, Muslim, Christian and many Asian beliefs.

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Comments

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  • CJR

    Thank you for the education sir. It seems our country would be best served aligning itself with countries like Singapore rather than the nations that harbor terrorists who seek our demise.

  • Susan H

    Me too, Mason. I am eagerly awaiting Part 2.

  • Pat G2

    Haha! That's funny, YP! Yeah, for all we know the most exotic animal in the Singapore Zoo - complete with it's own oversized and elaborate display area - is a SQUIRREL! LOL!

  • Yankee Papa

    Pat, Be careful what you ask for. I went to a zoo in Japan. Hoped to see exotic animals... I did... but many of them were "exotic in Japan..." Coyotes, badgers, rattlesnakes, jackrabbits... etc... -YP-

  • Pat G2

    What an incredible article, YP, I learned so much! The history and development to date of that little island is extraordinary and unique. I remember the kerfuffle over Fay's caning in the 90's, and it seemed the general American opinion of Singapore at that time was that it was uncivilized - who knew? I enjoyed the tourist map and would like to see the Singapore Zoo :) Many thanks for the fabulous and informative article, YP, can't wait for part 2.