They Died for All Free Man

As I rode into the compound of the Kranji War Cemetary with Love Machine, I knew that I was stepping on a holy ground. Only heroes lie and nobody else. I felt honoured to be visiting them but felt out of place at the same time. What greeted me was the dome that was fusion of a submarine with the wings of a fighter plane. For those who have been there before, you'll know what I mean. I greeted the holy ground in silence as I took my first step onto the turf.

I first visited the graves of the Late Mr Yusuf Ishak and Benjamin Sheares as they lay undisturbed on opposite grounds on this HUGE patch of turf.

I stood in front of the memorial gate and made my way up the steps. Peace was all I found. I was alone among the 200,000 soldiers, air force fighters, navy man and medics who perished in the war. The feelin was peaceful. They are the ones who gave me that peace that we all enjoy today as I walked among the graves with their names written on the marble tombstones. The Chinese, Gurkhas, Malay Regiments, Indian soldiers, Punjab Regiments and the Australians and British were among those whose names were written forever on the marble walls which stood more than 6 meters high. I can't repeat the word enough. Peace. My mind was clear and a sense of pride settled in. Weird. I am still on reservist and I just prayed in silence to have just a slice of the bravery of these people whom I call heroes.

I looked towards the top of the hill and I saw the skyline. That was the only time where my view was not obstructed by buildings. Just me on a hill with clear land. It was perfect. For those avid photographers, you don't know what you've been missing.

I sat on the bench in between the two walls with the names of the Gurkhas and Punjabi soldiers. Closed my eyes and absorbed my surroundings. The birds and little insects tickled my thoughts and I smiled knowing that these heroes will always be accompanied by these beautiful creatures. This is not the place to feel sad but leaning more towards feeling proud and grateful to have brave fighters that used to live among us. And may we be like them in spirit in whatever we do. A lot of learning lessons to be learnt. It just depends on how willing are you in the first place just by being there. It's no longer a field trip like we used to have in secondary school, it's more of a thank you visit that comes from the heart.

My salute to these heroes.

Ja