It was indeed the time of Singapore's Independence Day. Yes, its Singapore's National DAy on the 9 August. It was an amazing day for me because... I MANAGE TO GO FOR THE ACTUAL PERFORMANCE TODAY! WOOOHOOO!!! Thanks alot Weiloong!
He blessed me with a ticket to go watch the National Day Parade! It was actually a little unexpected then what I had in mind. Its not like what we watch on television, where the crowd will start screaming and shouting. Well only the middle portion will sometimes shout the loudest. I was seated at the west sector of the Marina Bay Seating area. Again this year, Singapore used the Floating platform for their National Day.
When Weiloong and I reached City Hall, it was packed! Such that the MRT had to give announcements! "The Station is crowded. If you are not taking the train please leave the station." Now that is one announcement you won't get to hear often in train stations. LOL! But it was crowded. We had to worm our way through. Weiloong was not carrying much, but I was carrying my guitar bag as it was after Cell Group when we head down together.
Once we reached Marina Square, there are signs to lead us to the ticket admission area. We had to undergo scan check for any malicious items before we proceed to walk to the Marina Bay. As we walk, we could see a sea of Red. Every corner you turn, there are people with Red Shirts. That was Singapore's Way of honoring the National Day. Wear Red Shirts. I wore a Maroon shirt, that was the only Red shirt I had. In fact it wasn't mine, it was my Dad's. I just borrowed.
Anyway, before proceeding to our west sector, we went to get our Fun Packs, its a must for NDP to give out Fun Packs for the survival of the crowd. It was a tote bag and inside was those string bags where you pull the string it will tighten the mouth of the bag. Those kind of bags. Inside there are tidbits, drinks and even some sweets. Of course there are other items like a Air Glove, you've got to blow it up in order to use it. There are lights inside the glove that is used for the night scene. After which, Weiloong and I found seats and then waited for the celebration to begin.
It started with the choir singing some songs and after which other items came to entertain us.
Highlights: National Day highlights are the new Sea display of boats, jet skis and Power Boats, then we have the RSAF Black Knights. That is the F-16 Display in the Air. The Red Lions Parachuters are one of the highlights. But during this time, it was actually drizzling. I had to sacrifice my poncho(located in goody bag) to my guitar bag. Thank God it was only a drizzle so I wasn't soaking wet.
Then the members of Parliament came in. The Prime Minister later and then...
THE CONTINGENTS ARRIVED! One of my favorite parts of National Day, was the different sectors of the army came marching in. Then once the Guard of Honor was in place, the President came to the scene. By this time we were all standing up. Then came the familiar rumble of the start of the national anthem. Then the Chinook helicopter carrying our nation's flag came through the stadium as the song was played. It was a rather nostalgic time for me, because I have never sung the National Anthem for a very long time.
After this, the President check the various ranks while the artillery fire off. Then once it was checked. The Parade commander commands for a 21 Gun Salute. The Guard of Honor would raise their rifles and fire rounds into the air. Don't worry, they are all blanks.
They started to march off the field in an orderly manner. Then the Black Knights came back to show its prowess! It was magnificent. When the pictures are uploaded I'll let you guys see.
Then came the programs. Actually to be honest, the programs were a little boring. Other than that, the occasional Fireworks and Flares kept us entertain, as well as the musical fountain we had. Then came the Grand Finale where this Years Theme Song, Shine for Singapore was sung and together with all the other performance groups for the Grand Finale. We stood up and sang old songs together as one people, one nation and one Singapore. Then it was time to say our pledge:
We the Citizens of Singapore
Pledge ourselves, as one united people
Regardless of Race, Language or Religion
To build a Democratic Society,
Based on Justice and Equality,
So as to achieve Happiness
Prosperity, and Progress for our Nation.
Then we sang the National Anthem one more time and after that, the President will take its leave. And that marks the end of the NDP parade.
I love the theme song for this year, but i prefer the Chinese version to the English somehow. Not because I am a Chinese but the person who sang it was really good. Anyway, It was a tiring day, my eyes keep closing. I shall close by saying Happy Birthday Singapore, For a Better Singapore than Today. Thank you God for protecting Singapore too. God is Blessing you now, God is blessing you now, God is blessing you S I N G A P O R E, God is blessing you now! XD
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