why do soldiers polish their boots? a practice now lost in the Singapore Army, but men who have seen service in prior years will remember the arduous task of polishing their boots to a mirror shine. “I want to see my face in your boots, soldier!”
that’s all wrong. you see, we had it the wrong way round.
when you go out to combat, you don’t want shiny boots. and you don’t wear shiny boots. pristinely polished boots are commonly called “parade boots” and are used for ceremonial functions and parades.
one type is the military funeral.
when the soldier prepares his best uniform, he spends a great amount of time and care to polish his boots. this time is usually spent reflecting on the life of his friend, and his own.
“i polish my boots so that i can see myself.”
