I am so proud of you, Officer Bro! *Salute*

My dear brother, has finally "graduated" from his 68/07 Officer Cadet Course, and is officially a "Officer!" See how smart he is in his uniform!

Yesterday the Mok family + hubby attended my brother's Commissioning Parade at SAFTI Military Institute. Journey was long, but spirits was high! Even the family's late-comer, my dad, he was unusually early for the appointment. Haha! But can see he is very proud of my brother and is anticipating this very moment...  With the continuous wet weather for the past few days, we were praying hard that the weather will be good and the parade can be conducted successfully. Thank God the weather was clear, not too hot, yet with a few dark clouds (slight intimidating the situation at certain points). Everything went smoothly

As we sat at the wrong section, we were abit away from where my brother's platoon is stationed at... Everyone out in the parade square looks the same and so small!! I was eagerly looking and searching for my brother and wanted to see him in action, but to no avail. Hubby was very kind and enthu, taking the camera around and finding the nearest spot to try to capture brother and the parade itself.. How I wish we would have SLR camera/ binoculars.. haha..

The parade started with them marching proudly and smartly to the parade square (this is the final results after many many times of hard practicing), then followed by the inspection of the Review Officer Mr Lim Swee Say (he only stopped to talk to one of the cadets, whereby the spot is the nearest to the official cameras..hee )

There were also blessings by various religious leaders - Taoism, Christian, Buddhism, Sikh, Islam and a few more.. It was a unique sight to me.. Din know army is also "religious". But then, better believe than not *shrugs* There were also familiar NDP songs being belted out and the much-missed National Anthem.. It has been so many years since we last sang the National Anthem! There was also the SAF Pledge by the cadets - Oh everyone is so MAN when they said the pledge! muhaha.. I juz love uniformed guys..haha..

There came a exciting moment whereby the cadets got to march up the audience seats. However as I have mentioned earlier, we were sitting in the wrong section!!!! And we couldn't get to see my brother marching in person!!! Bish Bish!! As we were also confined to our seats, we couldn't move around when they started marching up... Its one of my regret in life.. I really hope to see him in action leh... A pity.. The other parents and friends were all so excited and swarmed to take a closer look at their son/boyfriend/brother/friend. How I wish I could do that earlier..

The graduands then returned to the parade square and there came this very moment which I loved it! It was so moving and joyous and proud! Upon the announcement of their graduation, the graduands threw up their caps and I saw them jumping in joy!! Then everyone started hugging everyone, congratulating everyone and patting everyone's back!! They have went thru hell training with one another, and this was th moment that they have been waiting for!! Oh my.. I was so so touched.... 

We quickly dashed to the parade square, together with many others, to look for my brother. My parents gota affix the officer rank epaulettes for my brother. Now he got 一划 liao! Hee... So so proud of him... So happy to see him in person after waiting for so long.. I was also especially proud when his juniors came up and salute to him "Sir!" My brother has grown up... to a capable young lad who will lead the new army guys in his new posting... He'll go back to Tekong and be BMT Instructor! I am sure he will do a great job!

After all the hard training, my brother has become more matured, confident, disciplined and many many others... I can't describe how I feel, seeing his growth and development, as his sister. Sometimes I feel I am more like his parent! haha...

I love you brother! All the Best to your new posting! *Salute*

Proud Family Photo