Sunday, August 9, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE
STAND UP FOR SINGAPORE. 8.22PM.
Origin
The National Flag of Singapore is a symbol of statehood. It replaced the Union Jack which had flown over Singapore for 140 years (1819-1959). It was the committee headed by Dr Toh Chin Chye (the then Deputy Prime Minister) which first conceived of and created the flag. Together with the State Crest and the National Anthem, it was unveiled on 3 Dec 1959, at the installation of the new Head of State, the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, at the City Hall steps. Upon independence in 1965, it was adopted as the National Flag.
Meaning
Our National Flag consists of two equal horizontal sections, red above white. In the top left canton is a white crescent moon beside five white stars within a circle. The features of the flag were not arbitrarily chosen. Each feature has its own distinctive meaning and significance: red symbolises universal brotherhood and equality of man; white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue; the crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant; and the five stars stand for the nation's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.
NATIONAL COAT OF ARMS (STATE CREST)
Origin
The National coat of Arms (State Crest) was first launched on 3 Dec 1959 together with the National Flag and National Anthem at the installation of the Yang di-Pertuan Negara at the City Hall steps.
Meaning
The State Crest of Singapore consists of a shield emblazoned with a white crescent moon and five white stars against a red background. Red is symbolic of universal brotherhood and equality of man, and white signifies pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The five stars represent the five ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Supporting the shield are a lion on the left, and a tiger on the right. Below the shield is a banner inscribed with the Republic's motto. Majulah Singapura. The lion represents Singapore itself and the tiger, the island's historical links with Malaysia.
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