Walking with...SeniorSG50

I joined as a photographer in one of Singapore's historic events as they celebrate their Golden Jubilee. The event was coined as SG50 Jubilee BIG Walk 2015 held last November 29 of this year, what made this special moment was that it involved about 25,000 walkers, mostly senior citizens for a walk around historic sites in the city in an estimated 5km long walk.

The walk was to culminate the country's 50th year celebration to relive the past, appreciate the present and relish the future. I felt lucky to be participating in this once in a lifetime occasion. To be one with the people as they journey the historical fragments of their past and to feel their pride and joy in view of the awesomeness of the new infrastructures brought about by the improvements through the developments in time. 

The combination of the old and modern structures transpired among its people, where, both the older and the younger generations walked side by side at each other through the presence of their families, friends and even to those whom were strangers to them, but offered to give their time to support the seniors in reliving their past as they hold on to their wheelchairs and canes in their walk along memory lanes.

I will remember this day not only of the event, but also because this was my first volunteering work as a photographer. I finally got the chance to do so after contacting my friend while surfing the net for a volunteer position among the local lists of volunteer organizations. It was heart warming and an amazing experience to be at the moment and be able to capture the different expressions painted on the face of every senior citizen, the young ones and my fellow volunteers. Every smile is priceless, every effort to support was valuable.

Yet perhaps, there are no other people in this big event that feels luckier than the senior citizens themselves. To be able to stay longer and be witness to the great changes that took place as the years went on. They are the living proof of the struggles and success of this tiny nation. If given the power to do so, I would try to see through their eyes and relive the moment of the past. I remember my late grandmother in them and by saying this, I feel honored to be in their presence, for me, they are the last best story tellers and historians of this time. Their stories and experiences are the real treasures that cannot be contained in a museum, but inside the hearts and minds of every next generation of this country.

Please check out this link for more of my photos of this big event.

Til next time :)