COMING HOME FOR THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL DAY PARADE
//Story by BENITA TEO //Photos by PIONEER PHOTOGRAPHERS
National Day Parade (NDP) 2020 will be presented in a refreshed format that will allow you to take part in the celebrations, from wherever you are.
It will be an all-day celebration come 9 Aug, as the Parade and Show segments take place in the morning and evening respectively. They will be broadcast on TV and Internet platforms.
In addition, traditional favourites like the Red Lions will be taking to the heartlands. Family-friendly items in this year's Funpack, which will be given to every Singaporean and Singapore PR household, will bring young and old together to celebrate the nation's 55th birthday.
With this format, the NDP2020 organising committee wants to bring Singaporeans across the island closer together, while keeping the public and participants safe amid the COVID-19 situation.
Themed "Together, A Stronger Singapore", this year's NDP calls on Singaporeans to join hands in compassion and kindness, to ride through the pandemic and emerge stronger.
"This year's NDP will be a landmark one. For the first time since Independence, instead of bringing Singaporeans to one location, we will bring NDP into every Singaporean home," said Chairman of the NDP2020 Executive Committee, Brigadier-General (BG) Frederick Choo, 41.
"Just like the past 54 years, NDP will be an unyielding reminder that Singapore will keep going on. COVID-19 will not deter us. We will continue to celebrate, but differently."
New spin on old favourites
The morning celebrations will begin with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Message, followed by the Parade held at the Padang.
President Halimah Yacob will be present to review the Parade. While the National Anthem is played at the Padang, the national flag will be flown high in flag-raising ceremonies around the island.
The State Flag Flypast will also make its way around the country during the National Anthem. Sing the Anthem and keep an eye on the skies, you might just spot the State Flag Flypast!
Bringing you closer to the action
Love watching assets from the Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team in action at the Parade? This year, you'll be able to catch them right in your neighbourhood!
The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) F-15SG fighter jets will be sounding the "Roar of Unity" and flying round the island in formation.
On land, the Mobile Column will be visiting the heartlands. The Red Lions will also make special appearances at selected heartland locations.
If you live in the coastal areas, keep an eye out for the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) vessels and ships from other national agencies as they sail past to celebrate the nation's birthday.
Thanking our everyday heroes
The Show segment will take place in the evening, at The Star Theatre. Celebrities will team up with everyday Singaporeans to present small-group performances that will be broadcast over TV and the Internet.
The show will pay tribute to front-line fighters and community heroes who have made a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic, and tell the stories of Singaporeans who have displayed resilience, solidarity, optimism and hope during the crisis.
It will culminate in a nationwide anthem and pledge-taking moment, with fireworks being set off from more than 10 different locations across Singapore.
Join in from home
Every Singaporean and Singapore PR household will receive the NDP2020 Funpack, designed by aspiring artists with disabilities and Primary 5 students.
It will come with activity items the whole family can enjoy, such as pledge cards that they can share on social media, and familiar favourites like handheld flags and torch filters that they can use while watching the parade and show at home.
You can also be a part of the NDP2020 campaign by uploading videos and photographs, well-wishes, reflections or stories onto your social media account using the hashtag #TogetherStrongerSG and #NDP2020, as well as tagging the official NDP social media accounts on Facebook (facebook.com/NDPeeps) and Instagram (@NDPeeps).
