We were filling up the seats... We kept our umbrellas... We raise our flag... Everybody roar! We are ready for the party of Singapore's 50th Jubilee Birthday! Yeah!! The nation is 50!
But sadness is close to our hearts, having lost our founding leader, Mr Lee Kuan Yew in recent March 23. In our cheers and laughters today, we remembered him.
This NDP 2015 Parade and Ceremony (P&C) feature a total of 37 contingents on parade at the Padang, comprising four Guard of Honour contingents, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Colours Party, the Combined Band, five military and civil defence contingents, 10 uniformed group contingents, and 16 social and economic contingents (our largest volunteered participation from the private sectors, ever!).
Mobile Column Display: 179 Tanks, Marine craft, Combat Ambulances and other Defence Hardware.
The parade was our grandest.
Three aerial displays, including one of 20 F-16s flying in a "50" formation, with a "bomb burst" at the end, and an F-15 fighter jet doing a vertical climb over the Marina Bay area! Even the Singapore Airlines A380 came in for a wave. Our strong and expensive mobile column further accentuates the country's wealth and formidability. Then a rousing fireworks display that was on an unprecedented scale!
It awes us. Yes. But.
Three aerial displays, including one of 20 F-16s flying in a "50" formation, with a "bomb burst" at the end, and an F-15 fighter jet doing a vertical climb over the Marina Bay area! Even the Singapore Airlines A380 came in for a wave. Our strong and expensive mobile column further accentuates the country's wealth and formidability. Then a rousing fireworks display that was on an unprecedented scale!
It awes us. Yes. But.
It is these united people who touches everyone viewing the mini parade. Overseas friends told us, "The scale of your celebration is nothing compared to bigger country. But it's amazing you people from all over the island, came dress in reds and whites just for the occasion, even those without tickets huddled out at public areas to celebrate!?" Yes. It speaks volume about the love and pride of Singaporeans for their tiny island, their barren motherland.
Night falls, we lighted up with twinkling chest pins, in reds and blues.
Contrary to previous years, we didn't have the national school choir singing patriotic songs this time. Yet we sang loudly. So loud, we could hear ourselves! It is electrifying. The spontaneous singing, standing ovation and cheers. The energy of all participants. We have never seen such lively Singaporeans on display!
Even TV home viewers have cited this as the Nation's most interesting parade so far. There was so much that everyone could relate to.
Night falls, we lighted up with twinkling chest pins, in reds and blues.
Contrary to previous years, we didn't have the national school choir singing patriotic songs this time. Yet we sang loudly. So loud, we could hear ourselves! It is electrifying. The spontaneous singing, standing ovation and cheers. The energy of all participants. We have never seen such lively Singaporeans on display!
Even TV home viewers have cited this as the Nation's most interesting parade so far. There was so much that everyone could relate to.
It is my guess that the people feel this is a special year for Singapore. As we celebrate the country's success of the past 50 years, we are looking forward to a renewed spirit to take us further. With the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, we felt the responsibility on us, to love and cherish this country - the legacy of our beloved founding fathers.
Yes. The newly united people will take it up from here. Forever Singapore. I love you.
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