Have you ever felt so proud to be a Singaporean, that you want to display the Singapore flag outside your house 24/7?
Well evidently, the Covid-19 pandemic has elicited a patriotic fervour in some Singaporeans, who have requested to display the national flag at this time.
Looks like their wishes have been fulfilled, as President Halimah Yacob has allowed us to fly the Singapore flag at our homes even though it’s not remotely close to National Day.
Normally, we’re allowed to display our national flag outside our offices, building premises, and residential premises without a flagpole or night illumination from 1 July to 30 Sep every year, which coincides with our National Day celebrations on 9 Aug.
Now, however, we can do so starting from Saturday (25 Apr) all the way until 30 Sep, said the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) in a statement on Saturday.
This is in response to “public requests” for the patriotic action to be carried out to “rally Singaporeans” and as “a demonstration of unity and solidarity”, the ministry said.
Based on a proposal submitted by the Government, Mdm Halimah supported the move to amend the Singapore Arms and Flag and National Anthem rules to allow for the flag to be displayed before the usual National Day celebration period.
She said in a Facebook post on Saturday (25 Apr) that she was “heartened” that Singaporeans wanted to show our solidarity during this tough period.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu was also heartened by the requests, and called the flag “an emblem of our shared values, identity and future”.
She was also quoted by the MCCY statement as saying,
It is also a call for us to work together and stand resilient in the face of a crisis like this. This exemplifies the Singapore Together spirit.
However, the flag is a national symbol and should be given respect by being treated in a dignified manner, MCCY said.
That means we shouldn’t display our flags if they are torn or worn-out.
If we are throwing away unsuitable flags, they should be placed into a black trash bag, which must be sealed before being discarded.
If you’re unsure of how to treat the flag, please see the rules at https://go.gov.sg/nationalflag.
Since many of us are stuck at home as the nation grapples with the pandemic, perhaps it’s a good time to take out our Singapore flags and find a place to hang it.
After all, we’re already planning to take part in a nationwide singalong to national song “Home”.
Previously, we’ve also clapped for frontline workers and admired the Marina Bay Sands’ stunning Singapore-themed light-up.
Anything that can life our spirits and help build solidarity is just what we need to get through this trying time.
Featured images adapted from Facebook and Facebook.
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