RELIVE THE PAST, FEEL THE PRESENT AND ENVISION THE FUTURE AT NDP 2010

"National Day Parade (NDP) 2010 will be a memorable parade that connects all Singaporeans to our past, present and future," said Colonel (COL) Loh Kean Wah, Chairman of the NDP 2010 Parade and Ceremony Committee.

His statement aptly sums up the parade and ceremony experience that Singaporeans can look forward to at this year's NDP. The nation's 45th birthday bash returns to the historic Padang after five years.

Speaking at the media brief held on 2 Jun, COL Loh highlighted the new additions that will be featured at this year's parade.

Among the highlights is the inaugural Presidential Drive-Past at the Padang. After much preparation on the parade grounds, spectators will be as close as eight metres to the President during his drive-past.

The public will also be able to witness the Presidential Gun Salute at close proximity as the ceremonial 25-pounder guns of the Presidential Gun Salute return to the War Memorial Park after 10 years.

"The significance of firing at the War Memorial Park is to recognise the citizens who lost their lives during World War II... The guns used are symbols of protection of the people," explained COL Loh.

Another exciting feature to look out for is the debut of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Band as part of the Combined Marching Band in the parade, together with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Bands.

NCC Drum Major, Master Sergeant (MSG) Jerome Wong, a Secondary Three student of Swiss Cottage Secondary School will be leading 36 cadets from the NCC Band.

"Through interacting with senior professionals from the SAF and SPF Bands and seeing their dedication for their bands, it has motivated me to change my attitude to suit my band and to look out for my band members," said MSG Wong.

LTC Lek living his dream since he was an eight-year-old child as the NDP Parade Commander.

One of the most anticipated segment of the parade would certainly be the City March. This year, the contingents in the parade will be marching along a 2.3km stretch of road around the Marina Bay area - allowing the parade to go beyond the Padang.

"The march towards the 'new' Singapore which is represented by the newly-developed Marina Bay area symbolises our people achieving our dreams for our future," enthused COL Loh.

NDP 2010 will see four Guard-of-Honour contingents comprising the Singapore Army represented by the 1st Commando Battalion; the Republic of Singapore Navy represented by the Naval Diving Unit and the Institute of Maritime Operations and Systems; the Republic of Singapore Air Force represented by the Air Power Generation Command; and the Singapore Police Force represented by the Home Team Academy.

The 30 marching contingents in the parade symbolise the five pillars of Total Defence - Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological. Organisations represented include the SAF, the SPF, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the National Housing Board, the National Trade Union Congress, the People's Action Party, the Public Utilities Board, nine Uniformed Youth Organisations from various schools and six private organisations.

The parade contingents - made up by approximately 3,100 people - will be led by Parade Commander, 36-year-old Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Lek Seng Khoon, a Branch Head in General Staff of the Army Headquarters. LTC Lek enlisted into the SAF in 1993 and was presented the Long Service Award (15 years) to recognise his contributions to the SAF during his service.

The participants of the parade come from all walks of life and they will be marching together in unison to celebrate Singapore's 45 years of independence.

"This year's parade march-past together with the aerial fly-past and mobile column drive-past will showcase our unity, strength and resilience as a nation," concluded COL Loh.