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SINGAPORE on Sunday launched the national orange ribbon celebrations as part of its efforts to strengthen the city state's racial and religious harmony.
Speaking at the inaugural launch of the national orange ribbon celebrations, Singapore's Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan pledged the country's continued commitment to racial and religious harmony.
'Harmony, respect and acceptance of diversity are essential for our existence as a nation,' he said, adding that 'we cannot take this for granted. Fortunately, we have many different groups in promoting inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony, including our grassroots, religious and community organisations and teachers.'
Encouraging people to take part in this month's racial and religious harmony celebrations, Dr Balakrishnan said that everyone has a role to play in preserving the country's racial harmony, peace and prosperity.
The campaign, an opportunity to celebrate racial and religious harmony on a national level, has also introduced a physical representation of racial harmony - the Orange Ribbon pin, which carries the words 'You plus Me equals TRUST' and reminds people of the importance of racial and religious harmony to the city state.
In July, there will be more events to celebrate racial and religious harmony in Singapore following Sunday's Harmony walk 2008.
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