There are 5 pillars of Total Defence (TD), but most will only remember Military.
2014’s Total Defence theme is “Because you played a Part”.
Personally for Daddy, he still like the theme song from 2011 “Home“.
Daddy ask the boys why do we need to protect Singapore?
They understand from social studies classes that Singapore must be strong, so that we will not be bullied by other countries.
Kids naturally see the “Military” aspect of Total Defence, as it is more tangible (Hello NS Hello No4 and reservists)
But, what do they understand about the other four pillars?
– Economic, Psychological, Social and Civil Defence.
Will our economy be strong and continue to provide us with jobs, aspirations and to enjoy our way of life?
The Little India riot offers an important learning episode for everyone. Is Racial harmony a campaign or our way of life, is our social fabric still fragile 49 years after independence?
Will we stand together in the face of crisis or take the next flight out of Singapore?
Can we pick ourselves up after a disaster? (SARs, Financial crisis or terrorism threats)
Protecting Singapore is not only the job of SAF, Hometeam or SCDF.
Everyone plays a part.
For those who believe that Singapore’s neighbours are always friendly, we got enough reminders over the past week who coined the term “Little Red Dot“.
What can families expect from Total Defence 30 (TD30) exhibition at National Museum?
Now, our kids might not yet understand why we need to protect Singapore, but they will definitely enjoy some interactive exhibitions. SCDF, Army, Navy etc. Throw in the guns, smart No1 (kids-size), SCDF canines, and photo opportunity with Protector.
Indoor, some decisions await you. Visitors are encouraged to map out their own exploration paths. Two exhibits left a deep impression on Daddy.
– When Uncle Joseph Thio (74 years old) describes his early childhood, “racial discrimination” was unheard of in the kampong days. Everyone live in peace with each other, and look out for one another.
– Social media trolls. In this generation, some people just like to leave negative comments online. Being anonymous, some forget to extend basic courtesy and manners online.
What we will not do face to face, some become embolden online, hiding behind a nick or pseudonym. Truths are sometimes hijacked and twisted, where do we seek the answers?
Can we coexist and agree to disagree?
It was interesting to get the kids to read out the vile comments, minus the F words and other vulgarities :p
Do consider signing up for some of the activities or trails. Click here for details.
1) Forum Theatre: Wouldn’t It Be Nice?
Depicts Singapore in 2022, we are facing some crisis, how do we fend for yourselves and one another?
2) Walking Trail – Journey back to WW2 when Singapore fell to the Japanese. You will walk pass Macdonald house too (Konfrontasi, bomb explosion in Singapore).
The exhibition will lead us on a different path, and everyone will end with difference experience and expectations.
We might come up with more questions than answers.
Keep exploring, keep asking, ask ourselves, what is home, what is Singapore?
Click for more photos from ConnexionSG and National Museum Fanpage.
Gather more details from Total Defence homepage.
What : Total Defence 30: An Experiential Showcase
Where: National Museum
When: 15-23 Feb 2014
TD30 exhibition at National Museum is free.
Hurry, TD30 exhibition ends on Sunday.
