APPRECIATING THOSE BEHIND THE PARADE

This year's National Day Parade (NDP) was a grand affair befitting of celebrating Singapore's Golden Jubilee and a key factor for its success was the people who contributed one way or another behind the scenes. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted the key appointment holders of the NDP 2015 organising committee, participating organisations and sponsors to an appreciation dinner on 24 Aug.

Speaking at the function, Dr Ng highlighted that the successful parade was the result of the hard work, support, and commitment of many. He said: "I know that there were many participants and many people who put in many hours and sacrifices. Many of you who are seated here played a big part in it, without which, the NDP would not have been a success.

"The many pictures that we took in NDP will stand as a historical record of how unique and how spectacular NDP 2015 was."

To emphasise his point, Dr Ng used the example of the 1.2 million funpacks that had been distributed to every single Singaporean household as part of the NDP 2015 celebrations. "It was very heartwarming as they (Combat Service Support Command) brought together people, including children with Down Syndrome to come help pack," he said.

"They penned special notes in the funpacks that they packed and it showed the spirit which made NDP 2015 possible."

In an example to exhibit the dedication of those who made NDP a reality, Dr Ng said: "As rehearsals were during the Ramadan period, our Muslim brothers and sisters were rehearsing without eating or drinking - they were observing their fast."

Commenting on the dedication and the sacrifices of the NDP 2015 participants, Brigadier-General (BG) Melvyn Ong, Chairman of the Executive Committee and the newly appointed Chief of Army, said: "Organising our country's Golden Jubilee celebrations was an honour for my team, and also challenging due to the many moving parts."

Citing the examples of the many challenges posed during NDP such as the 1.2 million funpacks, satellite sites, and large aerial display to name a few, BG Ong added: "We needed months of rehearsals, and tight and effective coordination on the ground. We couldn't have done it without the capable and committed servicemen and volunteers, working together to give Singaporeans an awesome SG50 NDP to remember."

Dr Ng presented Gold awards to 165 recipients who attended the dinner at Resorts World Sentosa. There were 201 Gold award recipients this year.

Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Perry Lim will present the 612 Silver awards to participating organisations and sponsors at a separate dinner held later this week.