Hallo

  As we celebrate National Day, let us not forget that we are still a young nation, with a history of 36 years - considered short compared to the history of many of the buildings here around us which have been with us to witness the birth of our nation and also to watch us grow up. 

  An example of such a building is the National Library. As a 40-something Singaporean, my formative years were spent in the company of books at the National Library. Hence, my sentimental attachment to the building. I am not alone in feeling this way.

  And now I have moved into the second half period of my stay here on this good earth. What I regret is, though I am a fragile element, compared to the brick-and-mortar National Library building, I will get to be around in Singapore long after the demise of this building.

  Just what is the fuss all about? You may ask. It's only a building, you may say. How can a building be compared with a live human being? You may ponder.

  Well, let me put it this way. You and I are mortal. In the years to come, we will fade into history. Our children and their children will take over the land and there will come a time when those who inherit the land we call Singapore will be celebrating, perhaps, our nation's 100th birthday. They will look back into history to see what landmarks we, people of today, have left for them to gloat over as their heritage.

  They certainly can visit City Hall, Singapore History Museum and St Andrew's Cathedral then. These buildings are steeped in history - but not the kind that represents the Singaporean identity forged during the period immediately after our independence.

  Our Singaporean identity began in the 1960s and our memories of that period come hand in hand with our memories of places built during that period. Already today (2001), we have lost the National Theatre to history. We can only relive the 1960s through reading about the National Theatre. It is no longer there for us to touch, and to feel that icon of our Singaporean history.

  Soon, we will say goodbye to the National Library, which is slated for demolition to make way for a road tunnel directly below its present site to relieve traffic congestion in the city.

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