Singapore honours frontliners at the NDP2020 celebrations

There were no big celebrations at the Floating Platform this National Day, but Singapore’s Aug 9 festivities were not any less eventful or meaningful.

In fact, many aspects of this year’s National Day celebrations paid tribute to the hard work and sacrifices of the nation’s frontliners in the fight against COVID-19.

In his National Day Message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: “In good years, our parades rejoice in our progress, and look forward to a better future together. In difficult years, we still hold National Day Parades, to renew our resolve to weather the storm and take Singapore through to better days.

“This year, National Day falls amidst COVID-19. We are not able to celebrate in our usual way, but we are determined still to hold the parade as a symbol of our unity as a nation, like we have done every year since independence.”

In light of the long battle against COVID-19, NDP2020 was split into two shows in the morning and evening, with celebrations also happening at decentralised locations around the island.

The morning parade, held at the Padang, was much smaller than most years. Only the State Colours and Guard of Honour contingents from the Singapore Army, Navy, Air Force and Police Force were present, alongside the Combined Band from the Singapore Armed Forces and Singapore Police Force.

After the 21-gun presidential salute, President Halimah Yacob and the parade performed a salute to pay tribute to frontliners and supporting staff in essential services who were present at the Padang.

Across the island, frontliners also accompanied the five mobile columns that paraded through the heartlands of Singapore, as fighter planes and helicopters flew over many of our estates and hospitals.

Over at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital at Jurong East and Sengkang General Hospital, the Red Lions made a spectacular jump right into the heartlands.

The Red Lions members proudly flew the state flag and patriotic banners as they made their landings in front of cheering residents. They also saluted the doctors and nurses at the respective hospitals after their spectacular parachute display.

Stay tuned to this evening’s celebration show being broadcast at 7pm, and the fireworks display in the heartlands at 8.20pm!

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