Read.

Succeed for National Day 2023 – 2: National Day Parade

As you read the article below, keep the following questions in mind.

Reading questions
1. How has the National Day Parade changed over the years?
2. In your opinion, how do the changes in the National Day Parade reflect Singapore’s
growth as a nation?

50 Years and Counting: Tracing the History of

the National Day Parade
Source: https://www.roots.gov.sg/en/stories-landing/stories/50-years-and-counting/story

Text by Jan Chen

MuseSG Volume 9 Issue 2 - Apr to Jun 2016

The National Day Parade (NDP) is an annual celebration of Singapore's independence (the
right of a country to rule itself, and not be ruled by others). It is also a platform for
Singaporeans from all walks of life (different social and economic backgrounds) to come
together to celebrate the nation's milestones and achievements while rallying ourselves in
preparation for the future.

Singapore's first NDP was held in 1966, a year after being separated from Malaysia.

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In the 1960s, all the parades were held at the Padang, which is one of the reasons that the
Padang is still an iconic historical landmark in Singapore. The military displays and marching
parades drew spectators young and old, regardless of the weather. This speaks of the
nation's strength, progress and unity.

The 1970s was a decade that saw a surge (rapid increase) in industrial development and
technological advancement. This was evident in the NDP celebrations as Singapore had her
first state flag flypast in 1970.

In 1974, the parade was broadcast in colour for the first time. In 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981,
1982 and 1983, NDP celebrations were decentralised (organised in multiple locations, not
just one central area) and were more informal and casual. This allowed more people to catch
the performances and parades on-site. In the 1980s, National Day songs made their debut
with songs such as Stand Up for Singapore (1984). Separately, Singapore's impressive
military displays grew and advanced technologically. Since 1986, parade spectators have
enjoyed atmospheric effects created through laser beams, lights and projections.

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 NDPs in the 2000s were vastly different from the ones before, reflecting the changes and
progress the young nation had made. In NDP 2002, there was a grand toast to Singapore's
NEWater (potable water reclaimed from wastewater, produced by Singapore’s Public Utilities
Board) . The shift from the National Stadium to the Float@Marina Bay in 2007 was also a
key event for Singapore. That year, Singapore saw the first ever NDP on water with
Singapore's skyline providing the backdrop.

NDP 2015, however, was the grandest NDP to date, with the nation celebrating its 50th
birthday. Year-long celebrations marked the golden jubilee (celebration of a 50th
anniversary) , which was termed SG50.

The 50 years leading up to 2016 for Singapore have been a swift march of growth and
confidence, with these changes reflected in the choreography (composition of a performance)
of our parades. National Day is not just a day for Singaporeans to celebrate their nation's
birthday, it is also a day when Singaporeans set aside everything to celebrate their
achievements, and look back with pride at the nation's growth from year to year, recalling key
national moments that will stay in their hearts and minds.