Students Proud To Be Patriotic
By Nasroul Hizam

Bandar Seri Begawan - Though far from the centre of attention, the Taman Sir Omar `Ali Saifuddien, thousands of students under the watchful eyes of their supervising teachers did their share by the side of the road and waved the national flag to greet His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the 24th National Day celebrations.

The task itself was menial but many, if not all of them, have had to take buses from their respective schools as early as six o'clock in the morning.

Azlan Abdul Munin Ajun Nurain, 16, said that he felt patriotic and proud to be a part of the celebrations despite the morning heat.

Taking part for the first time, the Form Four student from Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Secondary School would have preferred to be in the field performance as it "looks like fun" and make friends during practice sessions. With a laugh, he added that he could meet new friends from other schools and stand a chance to be seen on television beamed nationwide.

His classmate, 15-year old Hafizatul Imaniah Abd Salim was involved in the National Day celebrations for the second time and agreed that she too would rather be in at the field, having fun performing.

Form One student from Menglait, 11-year old Hamizatul Liyana Hj Hamdilah was all smiles because she got a glimpse of His Majesty as he passed them along the way to the Taman Sir Omar 'Ali Saifuddien. If given a choice, she said she would like to be involved in the choir, singing her heart out. Knowing this year's theme, `Tunas Bangsa', she said confidently and with great pride that it was a day to celebrate freedom, prosperity, peace and non-violence.

Azlan strongly believed that National Day is not "just a holiday but, a celebration of independence." He interpreted this year's theme as the "development of Bruneian youth" with regards to their contribution to the country.

Hafizatul Imaniah added that it also signifies how the people of Brunei Darussalam are united. "Independence gave us freedom and power to better our lives and decide our future."

But not everybody was as informed as Norfatin Rafiah Shamsul Bahrin, 13, who was under the impression that Brunei was celebrating its 70th year of independence.

The Form Two student from Raja Isteri Girls High School admitted to not knowing the theme this year, possibly the shortest and simplest one ever in the history of Brunei. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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