We live among heroes, the everyday folk in our neighbourhoods who are the vanguard in the war against COVID-19. From healthcare workers to transport workers, from hawkers and cleaners to safe distancing ambassadors, migrant workers to teachers and volunteers; they fight an enemy unseen while fighting their own anxieties, yet hold their posts with responsibility and diligence. Overcoming fear, fatigue and discomfort, in the face of risks and restrictions, these heroes go about their work with dignity. They inspire confidence for We live among heroes - yes, the masked kind, because who isn't masked these days? Disguised as everyday folk in our neighbourhoods, they are the vanguard in the war against COVID-19.

This stamp issue is released as a tribute to all of Singapore's frontline heroes.

The champions leading the charge Prominent among these champions are our healthcare workers. They know the enemy best and understand better than most, what there is to fear - but also what can be done. They may be doctors, nurses or paramedics; ambulance drivers or community swabbers. Some stand their ground to defend it, like nursing home staff; others venture into the heart of viral clusters in pre-emptive action, like the medical volunteers at worker dormitories. They fight an enemy unseen while fighting their own anxieties, yet hold their posts with responsibility and diligence.

Continuity through crisis These are strange times we live in, but helping to ease the unfamiliarity are those who soldier on regardless, whose work enables essential services to continue.

We count among them our transport workers. As most of the population play a role in keeping the nation safe by staying home, we rely on deliveries of post and goods to keep us going. As well, bus, train, taxi and private-hire drivers take on risks to help commuters get around when they need to. The roads may be so much the quieter, but those who ply them are working harder than ever.

There are also those who overcome challenges in order to cater to the gastronomic needs of a nation that values its food. Hawkers bear the discomfort of keeping their masks on despite the heat of working in a tight corner of a hawker stall. Riders brave sun and rain to deliver their fare, providing comfort and convenience to a grateful populace. Food charities have stepped up at a time when it is all the more urgent that the vulnerable should not be forgotten. Supermarket workers continue to serve; supply chains have boosted efforts to ensure Singapore's food security and resilience.

Garbage collection has dependably gone on. Road sweepers and estate cleaners faithfully perform their invisible work. With public hygiene a key strategy in controlling the pandemic, these heroes are keeping the nation safe as they scrupulously wipe away potential hazards their thoroughness inspires confidence for Singapore.

Even now, more citizens are stepping up to the frontline as activities resume, with safe distancing ambassadors helping to maintain order and keep us all vigilant.

For home and country Our nation's defences are no weaker for the pandemic. Travel may be at a minimum but our border control officers are still on the job, guiding travellers and securing our borders, besides meticulously screening for the virus. Returnees and visitors alike face quarantine upon arrival, but they can be sure of a warm welcome and service with a smile. There is no better group to take care of them than the redeployed hotel staff who see to their needs - their attentiveness makes all the difference at a difficult time.

We hail, too, the migrants who remained through the most testing times. These workers, mainly in dormitories, were the worst-hit community. Now they are helping to bring our projects back on track, so that critical infrastructure works - our roads, our homes among them - can continue.

In the midst of all the changes, social and community services have not slackened. Volunteers have come forward to lend an ear or lend a hand, reaching out to those struggling to cope. Bringing meals or computers, comfort or encouragement, they make sure none among us is overlooked.

As for our teachers, they have proved incredibly agile in the pivot to online learning. Their labour safeguards our children's future, by delivering an excellent education despite the pandemic conditions.

A nation's strength Overcoming anxiety, fatigue and discomfort, in the face of risks and restrictions, these our heroes go about their work with dignity. What a mighty force- physical, psychological, economic - they are.Singapore as they bring a semblance of normality to the country in the strangest of times: what a mighty force - physical, psychological, economic - they are. This stamp issue is released as a tribute to Singapore's frontline heroes.