GENEVIEVE TAN SHU THUNG
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, February 23, 2013

UNITY, loyalty and devotion were strongly felt in the air as the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam participated in a national march parade this morning before His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Government officials, groups of students, teachers, association members and workers of different companies from different backgrounds, ethnicity, religion and countries proudly marched towards the field to show their gratitude for being able to live in this beautiful and prosperous nation.

The love for one's Motherland is very important for the development of the world. Islam has a belief that "patriotism is part of religion". The very word "Motherland" has two words in one - "Mother" and "land", suggesting that one's Motherland could stand next to one's very own mother.

"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty", said Thomas Jefferson.

For a nation to flourish, the people must raise themselves and march forward to take their rightful place in the world.

A ruler of a nation is remembered for his deeds and the respect he has gained from his people. Bruneians are proud to have the world’s oldest reigning monarchy and centuries of royal heritage. Participants of the parade earlier this morning marched ahead with zeal while waving the national flag as bystanders cheered to give them support. Their burning spirit denoted a perfect example of patriotism and national pride.

The streets of the capital of Brunei Darussalam were decked with the national flag to commemorate this special occasion. For many more years to come, the current residents of Brunei Darussalam will definitely keep the Brunei flag in their hearts including those who will one day return to their own homeland for good.

"I've been in Brunei for almost 15 years now. Brunei is no longer seem a second home to me. My love for this country has deepened year after year," said a 54-year-old bystander who would like to be identified only as 'Mark'.





Copyright © 2012 Sandhya Maarga Holistic Living Resources
Holistic Living Annex (FEBRUARY 2013)