2009POP/ROD - "One for all, all for one"

Listening to 'Gotta be somebody' is enough to flood those memories back into me like a wave crashing onto the shore...

Four years ago, we came together as selfish individuals, caring only for ourselves, no unity, no bond, nothing. Last night, we left together as a one squad, that strong bond within us, this warmth, this familiarity. Yesterday, 22May2009, we stepped down.

Surprisingly, i still remember my very first sessions in NP. Lost, helpless, hating myself for joining this cca. Sec 2 came, i had friends, finally. life was good, but i still hated this cca. sec 3 came. i had enough memories to spark this passion for np in me suddenly. perhaps it was atc. or campcraft. or simply having my squadmates. and ncos. something kept me going on, despite the fact i was waiting so dearly and impatiently for our time to come.

And then it came. Last evening. Passing Out Parade. i would say that thursday's night rehearsal had the greatest impact. The skies were grey, clouds overhanging us the moment vic pressed 'play' on her ipod. There we stood in the middle of the parade square, anticipating. The music came, we put our utmost efforts into our very last parade of our NP lives. The atmosphere was just so right at that time. The ominous setting, the music blasting around the parade square, some by standers... i never had such desire to perform well. i didnt want to make any mistake. i didnt want to drop my rifle or miss a beat. i think it was the very thought that this was the very, very, final time i would be doing this, that gave such feelings. the very thought that there was no second chance for us.

We were close to tears at the end of it. Excited, yet dreading to have to do it. We did it all the same, on friday evening, before the very eyes of our juniors, officers and ex-ncos. And that officially marked the end of our life in NP.

Looking back, i am so glad i never gave up. this is perhaps the longest time i've ever perservered. it lasted 4 years long. i wonder how life would have been different, had i joined another cca. but truthfully, i dont think i would ever gain that much experience as i did in the 4 years of np. it is really too many to name - atc, revolver shooting, k9unit, hrc, campcraft, fancy drills, camps, rod, normal training sessions, my squadmates.... and the list goes on. there were the bad times, im relieved its over. as for the good times, they will always remain deeply etched in my heart.

As they say, "Once an NP cadet, always an NP cadet".

One for all, all for one; United we stand, divided we fall.