“Target: Singapore, Time: 17:00, Location: Changi Airport” blared out from the radio as the squad clad in armored suits and masked with veils drawn over their face pricked their ears. This was a holy order from their leader, Osama bin Laden, one with such charisma, one that gave them hope. At any costs, even at the expanse of their life, they must accomplish this mission with success without fail. Their leader had wanted to deal a blow to the cosmopolitan city of Singapore. They gathered in their military compound, all geared up, as they set off for their destination, one they would perish in. This would be a surprise attack planned with precision and perfection.
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The strenuous drill under the scorching sun had long taken its toll on the weary and feeble soldiers. I, as a sergeant, had to toil doubly hard to set an example in my squad. I was still committed to the National Service, and my bravery and marksmanship had secured me my current rank. Even though I was at the helm of a squad, I had vague ideas about my responsibilities and duties. All I knew was that I had to lead and command the squad. For myself, I had no real combat experience at all. Little did I know I would grapple through one so soon, one that would mould my character into a true Singaporean.
Duty day has come again, and we would be rendezvousing at Changi Airport that day for patrols. We sauntered around the premises of the airport, darting our eyes around for any suspicious, potential threats. We were enjoying some peace and respite when suddenly the blare from our radios shattered them.
“Attention! Team Foxtrot, this Yankee 2-1 from HQ. Bravo 2-1 engaging against terrorist forces at Annex B, badly needing reinforcements, please provide support, over”, rang a voice packed with much apprehension. Amidst our shock and fear, a shrill alarm instantaneously seared through the air, followed by what seemed like a stampede. The most distinct of all would be the crack of gunshots. While I was still in a daze, my squad had already hurried off to their positions. I sprinted to get into action, but the ominous thought and prospect of dying cast a spell of dread and lethargy over me as sheer trepidation gripped my body. All the courage that I had shown in the past had all been flushed off. My mind was absolutely in a whirl as I straddled across the devil and the deep sea. The question “Why should I defend for my country” flashed across my mind. It was a truly grueling decision. Meanwhile, I had unknowingly reached the podium below which was the battlefield. Here, I witness before me for the first time the tragic sacrifices of my fellow comrades. One of them was my dear friend, and he had been struck through his head, on which scarlet red blood glistened. Only then was I awakened. The flame of hatred ignited within me, into the deep red colour of my poor friend’s blood, the blood of sacrifice, courage and also vengeance. My mind was set. I mustered all my courage, and laying my finger around the trigger of my machine gun, I charged down to the battlefield. This must be a charge to victory.
I briefly surveyed the size of the terrorists which was around 50 men. They had all arrived in Singapore a few days ago. Despite their small size, they were able to stage a fierce resistance with their automated weapons. I roared in anguish as I spammed rounds of machine guns at whatever targets I could see. My accuracy had not disappointed me at such a crucial moment, as I gunned down several targets within a matter of a few seconds. The impact had been stupendous as dwindling enemy forces which took a backlash, hastily staggered back. At the same time, most of my squad had virtually become casualties. The entire place had transformed into a hellhole, with corpses and shells scattering around. Blood tainted the floor red and the horrific faces of the dead were gruesome. The very sight of this carnage made me visualize what would become of the rest of Singapore if the terrorists continue to mount attacks here. My families, our heritage, our possessions, all will be in ruins. I felt a stab in my heart at this juncture. It finally dawned on me how deeply .I was actually rooted to Singapore. I can only survive if it does. Without it, life would be completely meaningless. Singapore has turned me into what I was. It is my motherland. Motivated and emboldened, I felt that I had transcended beyond my limits, as I pushed on further to wipe the area off these scums. It was miraculous how I did it. For the time being, I could only vent all my pain and sadness by killing, by seeking what is called redress for my own people.
In no more than a few minutes, the remnants of the enemy forces in this area had been neutralized. Before the remaining five of us could heave a sigh of relief, we had to cover the surroundings to ensure no more hostile presence. As we did so, my senses told my something was fishy. I tipped open the door of one of the nearby control rooms, and there was still an enemy sprawling on the floor. In his death throes, he tried to plant a C4 bomb in a last hope to achieve his objective. However, to my astonishment, before I could react, he clung at my legs, fished out his knife and sank it into my back…….
Of course, I was rescued by my comrades at the close shave of death. It was not my survival that really mattered after this ordeal. Most importantly, I restored the nationalistic character and feelings in my heart. Actually, after my birth here, my life is already rooted and committed to Singapore, and this is where I truly belong to I finally realized that we owed Singapore what we have. In the past, I had been taking things here for granted. This was not to be in the case of our defence. It is the duty of every one of us to defend ourselves and our small country Singapore. I was honored and consoled that I had played an active role in this sacred duty. Last but not least, we should unite ourselves under the Singaporean spirit, and stand together as one in the face of all threats and challenges to come, to strive for better prospects for our Singapore and the promotion of our identity.
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