On earth for 28 years 05 months

IT was a cloudy, sunny morning on 25 August 2007, Saturday. People began streaming in since 1030, paying their last respect to CH. AT 1300, ritual for prayers began. With CH's dear friends and relatives standing near the ritual table all ready to send him off this last journey.

THE monk chanted for CH, with CH's younger brother, sister and cousins standing close. Rest of the relatives and friends were crowding round. The monk chanted and the chant went for a good half an hour. Lastly with CH's younger rank siblings and cousin walking two rounds around CH. Finally, the ritual is completed with a respectful bow.

THE long awaited 8 smartly dressed soldiers in No.1 uniform together with the Warrant, marched in tandem towards CH. I hear that they are men who volunteered to take part. The military funeral for CH had began. 4 marched to each side of CH, with CH in between and facing each other. Standing in attention, their caps were collected. They opened and spread wide-open, the well-recognised, Singapore flag above CH. On the flag, he was given 3 badges. With finally, CH's cap on the flag before they lifted CH on their shoulders, to send CH off this last journey.

WITH well-synchronised movements, the soldiers lifted CH to the glass covered van without a skip of footings. It must have being the rehersal they had since Thursday. Or could it have being the love and respect for this fellow colleague that ensures the smooth walk? By-passers who stopped to look on, had no clue and must have being curious who was that that gathered such a crowd. CH is sent off with his younger rank, sibilings and cousins followed slowly and closely behind, off the block and towards the traffic before he was set off in good speed towards Mandai Crematoria at 1345.

THE rest of CH's relatives and friends followed. Reaching Hall 1 of the crematoria, the soldiers were all ready. A line of soldiers saluated to CH as his van passed by them. At further end of the line of soldiers were the team of the firing squad. The van stopped outside the hall. Another 8 soldiers in No1. were all in attention, in the waiting line for CH. Like earlier, their caps are collected and they started carrying CH in their hands. Music played by the band started and with CH lifted high up on their firm shoulders, they marched in sychronisation towards the hall.

IT was 1415 and all the friends, relatives and colleagues of CH were seated inside Hall 1. The prayer started, ended and the flag was collected and presented to CH's younger brother, Tze Chong. Inside the hall, we can hear very clearly the continous 3 blanks fired off by the firing squad. It was an emotional moment with everyone's hearts heavy, tears welling and dripping off cheeks. This is really the very last of CH.

PHYSICALLY, he will be away from us for good. Words pierced through hearts of many as Col. Tan and Warrant Tan sent on behalf the deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences for the lost of a good soldier in the military from Minister for Defence, Chief of Defence Force, Chief of Army, Com 6 Div & members of The Cobras Family and last but not least, Comd 2 SIB, Officers, WOSPEC & men of HQ2 SIB.

AT 1500, the lot of us, at least more than a 100, who came specially from be it a busy schedule, tiring long hours or a heavy heart, all witnessed the very last of CH. The incinerator was on.

THOUGH, physically he had left us for good, he will always be remembered by all those who loved him, all those he had loved, all those that he had made a difference to their lives. He will be remembered for the responsible, dutiful, caring, determined, positive-minded and cheerful person he was. He will be deep in our hearts forever.

GOR, I will always remember you. Many of us will. For you had made a difference to the lives of many through your selfishless nature. You have being an honorable man, having being part of the armed forces to be your utmost pride. Believing and trusting the every word of upholding honour & pride for you are the protector of the country. One who willingly pledges your life for your country. You have believed in brotherhood. You have believed in 有国才有家.

"We must learn to live together like brothers or perish together as fools." - Martin Luther King.JR.

I know that God has had a bigger plan install for you to do even greater things, till then rest in peace and in the comfort of God's arm.