As the 44th birthday of Singapore is drawing closer and closer, the organiser sure have a lot of things lined up for this year's celebration. I remembered when I was a kid, Primary 6, my school brought us to the reharsal held at the National Stadium. It was a one of a kind experience for a Primary 6 school kid as we have never seen something so grand before. I still remember me and my group of friends were quite reluctant to go in the first place. Because we have never participated in NDP nor even watched a live telecast of NDP on the television, let alone go to the real even itself. I'm glad I went in the end because...
The stage,
the marching army,
the bands,
the fighter jets.
Ahhhh yes.. how can I not include, the FIREWORKS.
The theme that year was specifically "Knowledge and Creativity". We went in the evening, pass by the gates and collected our goodie bags. Really a lot of goodie inside. Caps, water bottles, NDP items, fans and so much more. Of course, we were super excited for the whole thing to start. Shortly after, the bands start to play, the ministers start to arrive and the whole event was ready to kick off! Amazing performance after one another I must say. Till today, I can still practically reminiscence the happenings. There was one part in the NDP that really made me feel proud as a Singaporean. Everybody would stand up and sing the National Anthem with PRIDE. After that the host requested everybody to do the Singapore famous, Kallang Wave. You can see the whole stadium being cooperative and that view is spectacular. Which justifies what is "One people, One nation, One Singapore". It was also the first time I saw fireworks right infront of my eyes. Never in my 12 years I have seen fireworks real life before. Although it only lasted for less than 15mins, it was really beautiful. A scence I would never forget in my whole life.
Speaking of stages and NDP, our national stadium was demolished and the stage for NDP had to search for another ground to host the event. The new grounds, Marina Bay is really a great concept. There, you can have the best night view of Singapore in the CBD area.
Oh yes, there is really one last thing I wish to add. One day, one day. I really hope to be this guy.
Imagine the PRIDE and HONOUR of commanding the whole NDP. Every year when I watch NDP live telecast on the TV I can't help to remember the scene where the whole NDP keeps quiet and wait for his commands. There year when I was P6 and went for the NDP, I was like wondering "who is this guy? Why must everybody keep quiet and he is there shouting so loud." But every command he shouts, the whole battalion, SAF will react and perform those actions. This experience, you can carry with you for a life time. When you grow old you can tell your kids and your grand children, I was once the chef commander in charge of the NDP parade. How cool is that? Really proud to be a Singaporean. :)
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