TAKING THE PLEDGE AS ONE UNITED PEOPLE

Come 9 Aug, at 8.22pm, get ready to stand at attention.

That marks the start of the Pledge Moment as part of the 44th National Day Parade (NDP) celebrations, with all Singaporeans encouraged to take the pledge at the same time, wherever they may be.

With this year's NDP theme anchored on the National Pledge, and all 10 chapters of the show echoing a line from it, the festive extravaganza at Float@Marina will culminate in a Pledge Moment during the finale of the show.

Written in August 1966 by then-Foreign Affairs Minister S. Rajaratnam against the backdrop of racial riots in the 1950s and 1960s, the pledge articulated the vision for Singaporeans to put aside all differences and work together towards building a successful nation.

Speaking to cyberpioneer, Colonel (COL) Ang Heng, Chairman of the NDP 2009 Celebrations Committee said: "No matter how Singapore transforms, the meaning behind the pledge is timeless. As we celebrate National Day, it's a time to be reminded of our nationhood, the journey we have travelled and our collective aspirations for the future."

Mr Ivan Heng, the creative director for this year's NDP, agreed, saying: "The pledge has brought together a whole generation of Singaporeans, to build a nation that we know today. Now in these challenging times, we are all inspired to proclaim these words anew."

Besides the scores of spectators celebrating National Day at the Float@Marina, it will also be possible for Singaporeans at home and outdoors to recite the pledge at the same time. A chime that can be heard island-wide will be sounded by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, signalling the start of the Pledge Moment.

Announcements will be made to diners and shoppers at participating restaurants and malls, while those tuning in to the radio will also be alerted to the Pledge Moment by the DJs.

Summing up the purpose of the Pledge Moment, COL Desmond Tan, Chairman of the NDP 2009 Show Committee said: "The entire NDP celebrations has only one message, which is embedded in the pledge, and what we hope to achieve is for all Singaporeans to take the pledge with renewed conviction."