The Boys’ Brigade’s Enrolment Day
The Boys’ Brigade’s Enrolment Day
by Master Osmund Ling
On 30th June, 2013, you might have noticed there were boys in uniform. It was because it was a special day for the 1st Petaling Jaya Company Boys’ Brigade — it was our Enrolment Day.
About 10 o’clock in the morning, the Boys’ Brigade was already doing drill at the field. Then, the Juniors and Pre-Juniors went inside the Sanctuary. We had visitors from other Boys’ Brigade Companies. At 10.45 am, the service started. The Seniors were leading the congregation in worship.
They started singing the Boys’ Brigade’s Anchor song as the Seniors marched into the Sanctuary, led by Lt. Brian Khoo, W/O Arthur Lam and W/O Calvin Teh. After the Seniors had marched in, the congregation were invited to sit down. Thereafter, we sang praises to God. Our Chaplain, Rev Dr Timothy Ong delivered the sermon.
During the sermon, my friend Justin Yeong told me that I was getting promoted. I told him I was already a Junior Leading Boy (which I thought was already the highest rank in the Junior Section).
After Rev. Dr Timothy Ong had finished his sermon, it was time for promotions. First, Captain Tan Giok Hui and Lt. Wong Sook Yee walked to the front to the altar. Captain Tan Giok Hui held a microphone and said, “Sir, I present Junior Tan Wen Hans, Junior Justin Yeong, Junior Arnold Tan and Junior Titus Koo for promotion to ‘Assistant Junior Leading Boys’.”
At first, I was puzzled because my other friends, whom I thought deserved to be promoted, didn’t get the promotion. After the Assistant Junior Leading Boys received their straps, Captain Tan said, “Sir, I present Junior Justin Yuen, Junior Yash Chandra and Junior Caleb Goh for promotion to ‘Junior Leading Boys’.” This caught me by surprise.
After that, I thought it was time for the seniors to get promoted, but again, I was wrong! Captain Tan suddenly said “Sir, I present Junior Osmund Ling for promotion to ‘Chief Junior Leading Boy’.” When Captain Tan said that, many seniors and juniors clapped loudly for me. I was shocked as I had never heard of it before. Then, I marched to the front of the stage and was happy when I marched back.
My friends congratulated me for being promoted. But then, I was still a little puzzled as I expected my friend, Shane Lee to get promoted.
After that came the promotion of some Privates to be Lance Corporals. Then Captain Tan announced “Sir, I present Lance Corporal Kanda and Lance Corporal Ian Kok for the promotion to Corporal.”
And so on, some seniors were promoted until it was time for the Pre-Juniors to do a dance to the song “I’m in the Lords army” with Corporal Naaman Foong playing the drums. After they finished, everyone cheered for them and soon was the Juniors’ turn. Our song’s name was “High Speed”.
After that, the service was finally over and we all went outside to have refreshments. On my way to the basketball court (where the refreshments were served), Shane and Yash suddenly lifted me up in the air. I was surprised to see my father standing nearby, waiting to congratulate me. Other people also congratulated me for my promotion.
