My peaceful slumber was interrupted when I turned my face toward the bright, large window, where sunlight began to pierce through the clouds and warm my face. As I began to grasp the surrounding, a loud, high-pitched voice shook me completely awake.

“Come down right now, Ahmed! We’re running late for school already!” mum yelled.

I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. I changed quickly and raced to the dining room, where my mum was waiting with a very angry expression.

I immediately ate my wonderfully warm pancakes, which melted in my mouth and went so well with the subtle sweetness of the maple syrup I placed on top. After breakfast we walked out together as she was dropping me to school.

“Mum, do you know this week at school, on September 5th, we have a speech competition. I can’t think of a topic for my speech. I want it to be compelling and unforgettable, drawing in the audience,” I remarked as we settled down in the car.

She reassured me by saying, “You don’t need to worry, Ahmed. You still have plenty of time to think things over. How about we sit together this afternoon and see what you can research? Without a doubt, we’ll learn something interesting and insightful that will help you craft a captivating speech.”

It took me hours to come up with a topic while browsing the internet. Looking through some history websites, I discovered that September 6th is an important day, since it is recognised as Defence Day throughout Pakistan. On this day, the Pakistani armed forces remember those who gave their lives in defending its borders, especially in the 1965 war, when the country came together to protect its territory. I thought it would make a really interesting topic for my speech.

I approached my teacher the next day, full of confidence and enthusiasm, to get my topic approved from him. I excitedly discussed Defence Day’s significance and how it relates to our sense of pride in our country. The teacher approved my topic and wished me luck.

Once I got back to the class, while we were talking about the speech competition, I asked my fellow students, “Do you guys know what happened on September 6, 1965?”

“We have a brief idea of what it’s about, but we’re not sure what exactly happened that day,” they said.

I started by explaining, “Defence Day is celebrated every year to honour the bravery and sacrifices of our army during the 1965 war with India. On September 6th, the Indian army attacked without formally declaring war. The areas that mainly came under attack were Lahore, Sialkot and the desert region of Sindh. In response, our troops remained strong and unified as they selflessly battled to safeguard our land and nation. Throughout that critical period, the Pakistani army remained steadfast in its will to protect our nation at any cost to its soldiers’ lives.”

I went on to elaborate, “Every year, on Defence Day, the Pakistani army is honoured for not only defending our territory against the enemy onslaught, but also saving hundreds of civilian lives in that dire circumstances.”

I then highlighted the heroism of the soldiers who fought in the battlefield, “Many of our soldiers showed exceptional gallantry and courage, for instance Major Raja Aziz Bhatti, who received Pakistan’s highest military decoration, the Nishan-i-Haider, for his outstanding contribution during the Battle of Burki in 1965. His and many other soldiers’ sacrifices demonstrate the unwavering spirit of our armed forces.”

I went on to speak, saying, “As I learn more about this day, I am realising that Defence Day is about much more than just honouring our heroes and remembering the sacrifices made in the past; it’s also about realising and expressing that no matter how strong an outside force is, we can confront it and defend our nation through bravery, courage and brotherhood. It highlights the need for unity among us as a country, in order for it to grow and prosper. Additionally, it highlights the army’s responsibility in providing protection services, relief and humanitarian aid, in addition to battlefield defence.

“When we come together, we can overcome any challenge and leave a legacy that the coming generation will treasure.”

After I finished, all my classmates started clapping. Many told me that they had no idea about the significance of Defence Day and thanked me for sharing it with them.

When I delivered my speech, I spoke with great passion and pride, and, much to my delight, I got the first prize!

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 7th, 2024