THANK YOU FOR MAKING NDP 2011 A SUCCESS!

In the months leading up to the nation's birthday on 9 Aug, they braved the unrelenting sun at rehearsals held on the Float@Marina Bay and willingly gave up their weekends to bring this year's National Day Parade (NDP) to life. Others from the private and public sectors weighed in at the year's largest birthday bash with sponsorship and other forms of support.

The efforts of some 300 participating organisations and sponsors were lauded on 25 Aug, at a dinner hosted by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, who presented them with certificates of appreciation, in recognition of their support and contributions toward NDP 2011.

In his speech, Dr Ng expressed his appreciation for all who had made NDP 2011 possible and commended their immense dedication in putting the show together. He said: "When I spoke to the participants, I got a sense that they are not doing this because they were asked. There was a real commitment over the months... I think it was just their way of expressing what it means to be Singaporean."

Added Dr Ng: "I want to thank all of you for your commitment to giving your best. Despite the rising expectations, you have been able to maintain the high standards everyone expects of NDP."

This sentiment was echoed by Colonel (COL) Alvin Kek, Chairman NDP 2011 Executive Committee. "The success of NDP 2011 would not have been possible without the hard work and effort put in by all the participants and our partners. We hope Singaporeans will strive towards building a better home and a better Singapore," said COL Kek.

This year's NDP, themed Majulah! The Singapore Spirit, marked the first time the Parade was presented in an integrated musical format spanning five Acts. With a simple but heartfelt narrative, the Acts represented the elements of the Singapore Spirit such as unity, confidence, determination, racial harmony, innovation, progress and more. It was also the first time that the Defence Dynamic Display segment, featuring Singapore Armed Forces' elite troops and latest hardware, was presented as a young boy's dream.

Other NDP firsts included the Majulah moment and the Onward March. The Majulah moment saw schools' uniformed groups receiving and raising the State Flag when the national anthem was sung, to symbolise the passing of the Singapore Spirit through the generations, and the importance of passing shared values for the progress of Singapore. In the Onward March segment, spectators saw participants up-close as the parade contingents marched into their midst, representing the commitment, energy and dynamism of Singaporeans striving together to build a better Singapore.

Said Senior Lieutenant Colonel Chia Chien Wei, Chairman Parade and Ceremony "The Onward March moment turned out better than we expected and it was extremely satisfying. But I think what is more important is for all of us to think of how we should pass on this unique spirit to the next generation, and I think we have been successful in doing that, based on the feedback we have received on the Majulah moment."