As you know, the Prime Minister delivers his National Day Message every year on 9 August, and for some unknown reason, his shirt seems to get lighter every year:
2018:
2019:
2020:
But as PM Lee’s shirt gets lighter, our troubles get heavier.
2020 has been a tough year for many, with the coronavirus claiming lives and killing businesses.
The economy has also taken a battering, and it’ll take quite a while to recover.
This was the main focus of the Prime Minister’s National Day Message for 2020. He urged the nation to stay united and resilient as the government attempts to carry the country safely through the storm of the pandemic.
Here’s what he had to say.
Parade is a Symbol of Our Unity
Unfortunately, since Covid-19 loves large gatherings, residents won’t be able to celebrate the nation’s 55th birthday at the Padang.
But it’s not all bad, as some popular acts will be making an appearance in the heartlands this year.
Though we can’t celebrate in our usual way, PM Lee said, the authorities have decided to hold it as a “symbol of our unity as a nation”.
“We will all share special moments like when the Red Lions land, the mobile column reaches our town, or the State Flag is flown past. We will all recite the Pledge and sing Majulah Singapura in our hearts together.”
Saluting Our Frontliners & Essential Workers
In addition, the NDP also affords us an opportunity to salute those on our frontline, fighting Covid-19, the Prime Minister said.
PM Lee said many residents have stepped up to help each other during this crisis, whether it was retired doctors and nurses who volunteered to come back, or residents who went door-to-door distributing meals and groceries to the elderly and low-income households.
“Migrant workers too played their part to support these operations. Their help was deeply appreciated by our SAF (Singapore Armed Forces), Home Team and public officers.”
“Many of them have gone way beyond the call of duty, and shown great generosity of spirit.”
These selfless acts have made all the difference to our response to Covid-19, PM Lee said.
“We Need Unity & Resilience More Than Ever”
PM Lee also said the six words that none of us want to hear right now: the crisis is far from over.
It’s not exactly good news, but it’s a harsh truth that we need to embrace.
The Prime Minister noted that many countries who initially managed to bring their Covid-19 outbreaks under control have seen their cases rise sharply again.
“This can happen to us too, despite all our precautions,” PM Lee said.
Many Singaporeans are also worried about the business closures, retrenchments and unemployment which are likely to go up in the coming months.
But as PM Lee said, the country has dealt with economic crises before, such as the Asian Financial Crisis (1997-1998), the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks (2001), and the Global Financial Crisis (2007-2009).
And we always managed to come through together, he said.
“I am confident we will get through this current crisis too, though it may take longer. All of us must do our part, but none of us will be alone.”
He said the government is helping people find new jobs and acquire new skills, but also urged employers not to drop their workers “at the first sign of trouble.”
He added that the pandemic has brought residents closer together, and that we “need this unity and resilience more than ever.”
This means not arguing with safe distancing ambassadors when they remind you to keep a distance, for one.
Dreams to Realise, Goals to Reach For
PM Lee called upon the nation to stay united and prevail through this devastating pandemic, not just for our sake but for our progeny too.
“Let us brace ourselves for the trials ahead, so that many years from now, when our grandchildren celebrate National Day, they will look back on these times and say yes, this generation stood together, sacrificed for one another, and built Singapore for us.”
“We have dreams to realise, and goals to reach for. Let us show the world that whatever the challenges, Singaporeans will stay united, and prevail once more.”
You can watch the speech here:
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