The American Club Magazine - Fall 2021

FEATURE

National Day night parade in 2010

Republic of Singapore Navy assault boats during NDP 2012

In 1990, Singapore celebrated her 25th year of independence. It was also during this parade that spectators also saw for the first time, a sea review of the nation’s defence on water. In 1991, National Day Parade (NDP) funpacks are introduced and have been among the highlights for parade-goers ever y year. Par ticular ly memorable was the 1994 “night parade” that star ted later than usual at 7:15 p.m. 1997 was the year that the National Education Show for all primar y 5 students was launched with the aim to instil national identity and the spirit of togetherness in our youth. NDPs in the 2000s were vastly different from the ones before the new millennium, reflecting changes and progress the young nation had made since its independence. In 2001, Captain Christine Sim became the first woman to take par t in the state-flag fly-past since 1970, a huge step forward for the women of Singapore. In 2006, the parade was held at the National Stadium for the last time before being torn down. The shift to the Float@Marina Bay in 2007 was also a key event for Singapore. That year, Singapore saw the first ever parade on water with the city’s panoramic skyline ser ving as the backdrop.

NDP spectators at the Float@Marina Bay

19 THE AMERICAN CLUB SINGAPORE