NDP 09-Rehearsal

Attending National Day Parade in the past, was almost like a ritual. With both parents in the service, the opportunity of attending either the Full Dress Rehearsal or the actual day was something like an annual family outing. Having retired from the service for over 3 and a half years, the opportunity was much lesser. It was also a challenge now to get everyone aligned to a specific date or event as each has their own schedule/activities. Through the kindness of a friend, we were extended 3 tickets to watch one of the many rehearsals at the floating platform. It was a good feeling to be back, under the evening sun to watch the NDP, even though it was a rehearsal. The theme this year was "tracing the past, through the EYE .... " As the crowd started to gather, Clarissa-Anne donned her sunglass (What more commonly known to her as "shades"). Looking at the reflection of "her shades", recalled the first few NDP where we had to cover her ears when the planes flew by or when the 21 Gunfire Salute were blasting away. The parade was not only thru "the eye" over the years but also thru the eyes of a "then" little girl to one that is hip-hopping around. The sky-diving serial before the parade had always been one of the key feature before the parade. The RED LION, traditionally formed by the SAF Commandoes included a Naval Diver ... part of an integrated force. As they made their way to the floating platform, with the Singapore skyline in the background, the crowd, as usual, made all the funny noises to welcome their landing. To display the many SAF and HOME TEAM assets, a scenario via a "News Flash" that the Marina Bay was under attacked brought the SCDF, SAF and Police armoured vehicle, emergency respond team and special forces streaming onto the platform and among the crowd. The Navy and Police Coast Guard too had their part in the display as the Marina Bay offered apporached from the waterfront to stage high speed RHIBs and Police interceptors chased "enemy boats" and divers dropping off from a Chinook helicopter to dispose of an underwater mine.

The parade proper of uniform and non-uniform contingents remain the hallmark of the NDP celebration. It had taken various forms, ranging from massive contingents at the Padang, to quick-in/quick out parade at the Stadium, column drive-past, etc. The arrival of "the President" kick-off the formal part of the celebration. With the HORMAT PRESIDENT, the national anthem was played/sang and the large STATE FLAG, flown by a Chinook helicopter and escorted by three of the latest Apache Attack Helicopters flew by. This is perhaps, one of the two quietest moment in the celebration ; the second being the Pledge Taking.

Even the 21-Gunfire Salute took a different form. Unlike the many years of being fired from land, the guns were mounted on a platform onboard several Fast Craft for Equipment & Personnel (FCEPs) and fired from the Bay, in front of the crowd. To the precision of the organisers, the inspection of the "Guard of Honour" by the "president" ended on time to kick off the 2nd part of the celebration following the march past. With lights, music and displays, the event unfolded like clockwork which concluded with the pledge and the crowd-pulling fireworks. It was indeed an event for families to come together and "party" to celebrate the nation's 44th birthday. As we made our way out of the venue, a final family shot to mark the end of the day's outing.