The Straits Times, Tuesday, 25 May 2004, "Forum" pages
"DON’T FORGET TO SALUTE OUR BRAVE MEN IN UNIFORM"
By JONATHAN V. GALAVIZ, President, Singapore Association of Nevada
As a United States citizen and Singapore Permanent Resident, I hope that all Singaporeans fully comprehend the sacrifice made by the Republic of Singapore Air Force pilot, Lieutenant Brandon Loo Kwang Han, 25, who died recently while training in an F-16 aircraft in the state of Arizona in the US.
I love my fellow Singaporeans, but all too often they become complacent about the freedom they enjoy. It must be clearly understood that the freedom Singapore enjoys is because brave Singaporeans in the armed forces protect that freedom every single day, every single minute and every single second.
The freedom that Singapore enjoys as a nation is contingent on those in the armed forces willing got make the ultimate sacrifice and we now have seen a brave Singaporeans RSAF pilot do just that for his nation while training to defend it. I would encourage all Singaporeans to say "thank you" the next time they see a member of the armed forces in uniform. Thank them for protecting your home, for making a sacrifice, and for protecting Singapore's freedom as a nation.
I couldn't stop laughing when I read this. Like we're martyrs or something for the Singapore Armed Forces
Well, it's a nice compliment, though a little exaggerated.
So all you Singaporeans out there, stop complaining that we stink up the trains and buses when we book-out. You want your fucking freedom, bear with it.