THANKS FOR A MEMORABLE NDP 2010

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean hosted an appreciation dinner on 25 Aug to thank some 680 participating organisations and sponsors for their contributions to the success of Singapore's 45th birthday bash.

In his speech during the dinner, Mr Teo said: "The commitment and passion that you displayed, the hard work and long hours put in are symbolic of the spirit that we need for the future, and are truly appreciated. I hope you have come through this experience with great satisfaction and fond memories which you can share with your family and friends."

This year's National Day Parade (NDP) theme, "Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag", captured the collective hope of Singaporeans for a better future and aimed to rally Singaporeans to draw on a strong sense of national identity and belonging going forward. One of the parade highlights was One Voice 2010, which united Singaporeans across the country and abroad as they recited the pledge and sang the National Anthem together at 2010hrs or 8.10pm on 9 Aug.

Organisers also went the extra mile to make the NDP 2010 experience a memorable one for all Singaporeans by introducing initiatives such as inviting underprivileged children and their loved ones to view the fireworks display from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark.

Military Expert 6 (ME6) Sean Tan Kok Han, chairman of the NDP's Fireworks Committee, said: "I'm glad that the NDP Fireworks Committee not only brought excitement to the nation's celebrations, it managed to touch these little ones in a very special and unforgettable way."

While the parade was held at the Padang, the National Day celebrations were also extended to the heartlands, with fringe activities, fireworks displays and a mobile column of over 200 vehicles from the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team.

About 26,500 spectators at the Padang and more than 60,000 residents in the heartlands came together in celebration at this year's NDP. In addition, over two million local and overseas Singaporeans watched the parade on television and via live webcasts on the Internet.

The support and dedication of these spectators, participants, sponsors and organisers is testament to the unwavering sense of pride that Singaporeans felt as the nation entered its 45th year of independence.