SINGAPORE, Aug 10 — Thousands of Singaporeans from all walks of life and tourists alike gathered on Saturday evening to watch the 49th National Day Parade (NDP 2014) at The Float@Marina Bay, also known as the Marina Bay Floating Platform.
With the theme ‘Our People, Our Home’, the event captured the hearts of the people with the most engaging and spectacular parade to date, combined with an array of colourful fireworks display.
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, Cabinet ministers and former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Through moments termed “Heartbeats”, NDP 2014 paid tribute to the republic’s pioneers who worked against great odds and uncertainties to build Singapore to where it is today.
Fronted by four Guard-of-Honour contingents from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), SAF Colours Party and supported by a 164-men strong Combined Band, spectators witnessed the highest number of civilian participation in the history of the National Day Parade – with a total of 14 non-uniformed contingents and 15 social and economic organisations, alongside personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the Home Team and uniformed groups.
The parade was led by Parade Commander Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Wong Pui Pin and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Low Soon Pan.
NDP 2014 would be the last parade held at the Floating Platform. Next year, NDP is slated to be held at the Padang, and the following year, at the new National Stadium.
— BERNAMA
