S'POREANS CATCH SNEAK PREVIEW OF NDP

It was at Sennett Estate Community Centre that Mr R R Varadarajulu was sent off by his teary-eyed parents for his enlistment for National Service (NS) back in 1967.

Then, he had wondered to himself: "Why are these parents crying like nobody's business?"

Forty years on, he still does not understand why.

"It was really quite a funny sight!" said the 58-year-old, who will be among the 40 Singaporeans reciting the Singapore pledge at National Day Parade (NDP) 2007.

Together with Mr Stephen Sivathasan and Mr Mahat bin Hashim, the trio represents first-generation NSmen in Singapore.

"We got a letter from MINDEF one day, informing us that we are part of the NDP pledge takers," said Mr Varadarajulu.

Mr Stephen added, with a chuckle: "Why we were chosen is a $100 question! But we're very proud to be part of the NDP."

The three men recall their NS days fondly, and also concur that NS is indeed important to Singapore.

"I think it's paramount for all males to serve their NS. It's only during NS that they can fully understand racial integration," said Mr Stephen, who is a base manager with ST-Airport Services Private Limited.

Agreeing, Mr Mahat said: "It's the best place to mix with the various races."

cyberpioneer spoke to the three men just before they walked from the holding area at Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre to the Marina Bay Seating Gallery, where some 27,000 Singaporeans were given a sneak peek of NDP 2007 on 28 Jul.

With many spectators dressed in national colours, the seating gallery was almost a sea of red by 5pm and the atmosphere was carnival-like, with spectators singing familiar tunes like Count on me Singapore and Five Stars Arising in unison.

Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi was the guest-of-honour at the Preview Show.

Many spectators were thrilled by the new parade format. Homemaker Nancy Ang was one of them.

Ms Ang enjoyed the "novelty of the whole parade" but gave a special thumbs-up to "the commandos who rappelled down the Benjamin Sheares Bridge."

She said: "That was really exciting!"

Equally thrilling were the fireworks. The spectators ooh-ed and ah-ed as the myriad collection of colourful fireworks lighted up the skies.

Tongue-in-cheek, Ms Ang quipped: "If I have tickets to the actual parade, I would definitely sit through this all over again!"
Here's a sneak peek of NDP 2007!