NDP 2019 CELEBRATES THE SINGAPORE STORY
// Report by Teo Jing Ting
// Photos by Chua Soon Lye
Most Singaporeans love and look forward to the spectacular annual National Day Parade (NDP). This year, the celebrations will not just be confined to the Padang area on 9 Aug; the next day, members of the public will be treated to the rare sight of the mobile column travelling to five heartland sites – a first since 2010.
Together with carnivals organised by the People's Association, the one-day celebration at Bishan, Geylang Serai, Jurong East, Punggol and Woodlands is set to end with a bang – with dazzling fireworks displays at all five sites.
"To commemorate our bicentennial, the NDP will be returning to the Padang. The Padang is a very special place for Singaporeans and it holds much historical significance."
"We (also) want to celebrate with more Singaporeans, so we'll be bringing the mobile column to the heartlands on 10 Aug," explained Brigadier-General (BG) Yew Chee Leung, Chairman of the NDP 2019 Executive Committee.
Themed Our Singapore, this year's NDP will be staged as one integrated show, comprising a total of six acts which tell "Our Singapore Story" from past to present.
Sharing the inspiration behind the theme, BG Yew said: "We remember the contributions of early generations of Singaporeans and we (will) continue to build Singapore for future generations. We want (to inspire) Singaporeans to take ownership of Singapore and our future."
Even the theme song Our Singapore (2019) pays homage to the sacrifices of the pioneers. Featuring performers from different generations, the song is a medley of familiar NDP songs such as We Will Get There and Our Singapore.
Music Director Dr Sydney Tan explained that the main message of the song was about gratitude and understanding that the current generation's success is because of the hard work and choices made by their parents and mentors.
"Whether you're 92 or three, we're all part of (an ongoing) journey (as Singaporeans). What better way than the bicentennial to see that picture: that we're all playing our part in this journey."
Riding on the bicentennial narrative is a nostalgic segment titled Our Bicentennial that will showcase iconic organisations from the 1800s which contributed to building various aspects of Singaporean society.
For example, the show prologue will feature floats of organisations such as the Singapore Post Office, Singapore General Hospital and the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps.
Other parade highlights include the inaugural participation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team Volunteer contingent in the Parade and Ceremony segment.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force's Multi-Role Tanker Transport will also be participating in the NDP aerial display for the first time and the Mobile Column is returning with new assets such as the Singapore Army's Next-Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle.
For more information about NDP 2019, head over to www.ndp.org.sg. Ticket applications are also open from 23 May to 2 Jun at the site.
