Whilst I recognise this page aims to promote support for National Service, let’s not be too quick to judge this parent.
I personally feel his/her complaint is reasonable. Whilst I may not have been present or know the details behind the event, I think it’s fair to be annoyed when they have to wait till so late to receive their sons.
National Service isn’t just about the soldiers, the commanders, and anyone who wears green during those two years. If we want parents to be supportive, then we need to consider the repercussions of planning an event that potentially drags on till such a late time.
I’m certain we’ve all had unpleasant experiences of being held back for silly reasons before being allowed to book out. Imagine if there were elderly grandparents waiting to see their grandchildren to have a meal with them.
That being said, I’ve also had soldiers who had NO one to receive them. Soldiers who lived across the island from where their camps were situated, and had to journey home with all their gear by themselves. Instead of a pleasant conclusion to their final day in service, such an experience just reminds them once again why National Service is deemed inefficient and a “waste of time”.
Support for National Service stems from generation to generation. So please. Let’s receive this sort of feedback with open minds. We can do better. We SHOULD do better.