We celebrated National Day in Singapore last Sunday and it was a different experience as you know, we are still in the midst of pandemic. So no large gatherings, and even if there were, such as the march out contingencies, where uniformed groups would gather in the open field at City Hall to commemorate National Day celebrations, most of them donned masks which is now part of our everyday OOTDs. I think there were only an invited guests of 120 people, a very small figure compared to past events, besides the Members of Parliament and key leaders. Attendance at the Marina Bay floating platform, to be part of the NDP celebrations, would be subjected to balloting results and usually I would be unsuccessful, lol.
Despite having no big celebrations this year around, the NDP was brought to the heartlands instead. So in various parts of Singapore, there were mobile columns of army and police vehicles, parachute landings in open fields by the Red Lions and fireworks display at night. Where I stay, I was only close to the mobile column so there we were, braving a little of the morning sun, to get a good place to stand amidst the crowd, and watch the army and police vehicles passed by. What an experience, especially when we see the bigger vehicles. My brother was frantically waving the Singapore flag that we got in the funpack where each household was entitled to one. I was also waving to them and they waved back at us too, awww. Many people were also wearing red or red and white, our national flag colours, to be part of the celebrations as well. I think in some areas, it must have been exhilarating to see the parachuters coming down right in front of their eyes, never mind the hot sun. Either way, it was such a fun experience!
On the telly, an evening concert was held at Star Vista, a venue used at times for concerts, and there were only small scale choreographed performances and very few audience members (mainly key leaders as well) and no big and colourful transitions in the midst like we were used to. It was pretty chill like going to some singing and dancing concerts and after awhile, I got bored..oops.
At night though, the fireworks took place in some housing estates, usually the highlight to mark the end of the NDP celebrations. Where they were, the places were packed with people. Of course, they were all masked up too but can't help to witness the joy and excitement in their 'smiling' eyes when we watched them on tv. They were indeed so lucky.
To be honest, even if we were to get out of this pandemic situation come next year's NDP, I do hope they continue to bring the celebrations to heartlands again coz I felt like it was such a game changer especially those who couldn't make it to the actual venue. It felt even closer like we were made to be part of it, instead of just witnessing on tv.
Happy 55th Birthday Singapore!
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