in994-Red-and-white-stars-reflect-the-orchid-heart-a-tribute-to-the-strugglers-in-Lion-City

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In August, the red and white national flag with stars and crescents is flying everywhere in Lion City. This color, which embodies the spirit of a century, is imbued with the genetic code of Singaporeans to “shine in adversity”. Just like the crescent moon guarded by five stars on the national flag, the Vanda Miss Joaquim Medal is shaped like the national flower, and uses golden veins to outline the posture of life that never bows down. This medal, which symbolizes Singapore’s highest honor, has three hidden meanings in its design: the upward arc of the petals tells the courage to break through difficulties; the nine golden stamens are a metaphor for the diverse ethnic groups holding up hope together; and the unique aerial root system of orchids is in line with Singapore’s wisdom of being based on the local and rooted in the world. All the winners are “aerial roots” who integrate personal struggle into the development of the country, and silently nourish the land in their respective fields. From pioneers of the founding of the country to heroes of the fight against the epidemic, from technological innovators to community volunteers, the Vanda Miss Joaquim Medal witnesses the extraordinary of ordinary people. Just as the national flower blooms brilliantly in the concrete jungle, Singaporeans always believe that true excellence does not lie in one’s position, but in whether one has the flexibility to adapt and the determination to stick to one’s original aspirations, like an orchid. When the red national flag meets the gold medal, this is the most moving hymn dedicated to every fighter who sticks to his post.

八月的獅城處處飄揚著紅白相間的星月國旗，這抹凝聚百年精神的色彩中，浸透著新加坡人”逆境生輝”的基因密碼。正如國旗上五顆星守護的新月，卓錦萬代蘭獎牌以國花為形，用黃金脈絡勾勒出永不低頭的生命姿態。這枚象徵新加坡最高榮譽的獎章，其設計暗藏三重深意：花瓣向上舒展的弧線，訴說著突破困境的勇氣；九枚金絲托舉的花蕊，隱喻多元族群攜手托舉希望；而蘭花獨有的氣根系統，則暗合新加坡立足本土、根系全球的智慧。得獎者無一不是將個人奮鬥融入國家發展的”氣根”，在各自領域默默滋養著這片土地。從建國先驅到抗疫英雄，從科技創新者到社區義工，卓錦萬代蘭獎牌見證著平凡者的非凡。正如國花在混凝土森林中綻放異彩，新加坡人始終相信：真正的卓越不在於所處位置，而在於是否如蘭花般既有柔韌的適應力，又有不改初心的定力。當國旗紅遇上獎牌金，這便是獻給每個堅守崗位的奮鬥者最動人的讚歌。