Journey to National Day Parade - Then and Now

National Day Parade - Then 

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his cabinet on the steps of City Hall on 9 August 1966

National Day Parade 1966 at the Padang - President Yusof Ishak taking the salute at City Hall

Bird's eye view of The Padang on National Day 9 August, 1966

Many young Singaporeans may not have seen these memorable photos of the first National Day Parade on 9th August, 1966 forty-eight years ago.

With the courtesy of the archived photos of National Archives of Singapore (NAS), the journey of the National Day Parade in the past are shared here to revive the fond nostalgic memories of Singapore.

Where the spectators watch the National Day Parade on 9 August 1966

The invited guests at City Hall along the road on 9 August 1966

The spectators at the Esplanade to watch the National Day Parade on 9 August 1966

Hawker selling "murukku", "vadai" and other Indian snacks at the Esplanade where a crowd has gathered for the fireworks display.

 

The marching contingents down the streets of Singapore 

The houses in Chinatown, Singapore

In the evening of 9 August, 1966, Hill Street was brightly lighted with colorful decorations, arches and our national flags to celebrate our first National Day.

National Day Parade - Now 

Thousands of Singaporeans from all walks of life gathered on 9th August, 2013 to watch the 48th National Day Parade at The Float@Marina Bay, a floating platform.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam inspected the parade as a gun salute was fired. Other dignitaries present included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Cabinet ministers, former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

National Day Parade 2013 .

Everyone has a story to tell and these stories define who we are as an individual and collectively as a nation. This year’s theme for the National Day Parade (NDP) 2013 is “Many Stories… One Singapore”. It calls on everyone to remember and share the stories that make us who we are and how we identify ourselves as Singaporeans.

Former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew at National Day Parade on 9 August, 2013

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shamugaratnam

Overseas Singaporeans can, for the first time, view this year’s National Day Parade “live” on MediaCorp’s online platform Toggle, which will simulcast it across the four language platforms —  Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham.

This is part of MediaCorp’s multi-platform coverage of the nation’s 48th birthday celebrations. The parade can be watched on television or followed on MediaCorp radio stations. XinMSN will also offer “live” streaming of the simulcast from Channel 5.

Thanks to the courtesy of MediaCorp TV Singapore with acknowledgement to share with everyone on this personal blog.

The theme of  National Day Parade 2013 is "Many Stories ...  One Singapore".

I am pleased to share the story of Unk Dicko, my fellow heritage blogger, friend, counsellor and my mentor of  The Wise Old Owl  blog and the honour to be featured at the National Day Parade 2013.  We are very proud of him.

Unk Dicko quietly smiling with satisfaction to fulfill his enriched life with blessings and stories to share ...

Whether we be young or old,
Our destiny, our being's heart and home,
Is with infinitude, and only there;
With hope it is, hope that can never die,
Effort and expectation, and desire,
And something evermore about to be.

~William Wordsworth~