COLLECTION OF NDP TICKETS BEGINS AT MARINA BAY FLOATING PLATFORM

At 50 years old, Mr Subramaniam Chelliah is seven years older than Singapore. However, he has never been to a National Day Parade (NDP) before.

Not for lack of trying though - Mr Subramaniam revealed that he had never succeeded in all his previous attempts to get tickets for the NDP.

He decided to apply again this year, and was "very happy and very excited" to find that his application for four tickets had been successful.

Mr Subramaniam and his wife were among the first few Singaporeans to collect these coveted tickets at the Marina Bay floating platform on 13 Jun.

Similarly, Mr Chia Kok Pei, who had balloted successfully for two parade tickets, was very excited about receiving them.

This will be the first time the 36-year-old will be going for an NDP.

"It's a momentous occasion, because it's the anniversary of Singapore's independence," said Mr Chia.

"It's a good way to remember and celebrate the struggles that our nation went through," he said.

Both men received their tickets from the Chairman of NDP 08 Executive Committee, Colonel (COL) Tung Yui Fai.

Successful applicants for the Preview and NDP tickets were notified from 5 to 11 Jun. They can collect their tickets at the Marina Bay floating platform (Function Room 2) from 13 to 22 Jun, between 9am and 9pm daily.

For enquiries or feedback, the public can call 1800-NDP-2008 (1800-637-2008) or visit the NDP website (www.ndp.org.sg).