It has been about a year and half since the COVID-19 pandemic hit globally, and while there’s been improvements in the understanding of the virus and the availability of vaccines, countries still face societal and logistical obstacles in their fight. While Singapore prepares to move into the endemic phase, a surge in cases weeks before National Day created a challenging situation for the organisers. Against this backdrop, a decision was taken to postponed this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) to 21 August.
On 9 August, a simple and dignified Ceremonial Parade was held at The Float@Marina Bay to mark the 56th year of independence for the Little Red Dot. With a 100 spectators made up of Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and frontline workers, the largely empty stands were a sombre reminder of the ongoing fight that still exists against the virus. Similar to last year, a greatly reduced number of 600 participants made up the Guard of Honour, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) & Home Team contingents, with a combined SAF & Singapore Police Force band in attendance. For the first time, 9 uniformed groups and 12 social and economic organisations joined the parade in virtual contingents through pre-recorded segments.
During the Guard of Honour inspection by President Halimah Yacob, the Presidential 21-Gun Salute was fired from the Singapore Artillery’s 25-pounder Ceremonial Guns mounted on Mobility 3rd Generation (M3G) Rafts. A common sight at the NDP since 2001, the State Flag Flypast was carried by the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) CH-47SD Chinook, accompanied by two AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters. Five RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagles performed the ever popular Bomb Burst prior to the march out of the contingents. Similar to last year, six F-15SGs in a Delta formation conducted an Island Flypast, while two sets of State Flags were carried by two sets of RSAF’s helicopters, taking Eastern and Western route each for a Fly Our Flag flypast through the heartlands.
Due to COVID safety measures for this year, the MAphotoSG team weren’t in attendance at NDP 2021, but we still captured the sights and sounds of this joyous occasion. Together Our Singapore Spirit will overcome and prevail over this pandemic as we make our way back to a new normality. Majulah Singapura!
(All COVID safety measures and protocols were observed by the MAphotoSG team in the capture of the photos)
The Guard of Honour Colours Party marching towards The Float@Marina Bay during a rehearsal
The Republic of Singapore Air Force Guard of Honor contingent marches during a rehearsal
The Guard of Honour Colours Party marches back from The Float@Marina Bay after a rehearsal
25-pounder Ceremonial Guns onboard the Mobility 3rd Generation Rafts move into position for the Presidential 21-Gun Salute
A 25-pounder Ceremonial Gun firing a shot during the Presidential 21-Gun Salute
The State Flag is carried by a RSAF CH-47SD Chinook, accompanied by two AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters
The Singapore Flag stretches out fully, escorted by the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter
The State Flag flies past the Marina Bay Sands
Five RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagles perform a Bomb Burst over the Ceremonial Parade
Six RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagles in Delta formation flew past the heartlands in the Island Flypast after the parade
RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagles maintain formation in the Island Flypast after the parade
Six RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagles in Delta formation flew past the heartlands in the Island Flypast after the parade
The State Flag party heads out for the Fly Our Flag flypast into the heartlands
The National Stadium roof lighted with the Singapore flag during the NDP weekend
The East Coast Parkway traverses in front of the lighted National Stadium roof during the NDP weekend
Eng Han of MJD. Pro stands in front of his tribute light up at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, saluting the frontline healthcare heroes during this NDP period
The Fullerton Hotel is lighted up with the national colours during this NDP period
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is lighted up with the national colours during this NDP period
The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is lighted up as part of National Day Light-Up 2021 at the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) district
The National Design Centre is lighted up as part of National Day Light-Up 2021 at the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) district
Objectifs – Centre for Photography & Film is lighted up as part of National Day Light-Up 2021 at the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) district
Stamford Arts Centre is lighted up as part of National Day Light-Up 2021 at the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) district
The Cathay is lighted up as part of National Day Light-Up 2021 at the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) district
The National Museum of Singapore is lighted up as part of National Day Light-Up 2021 at the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) district
The Central Fire Station is lighted up as part of National Day Light-Up 2021 at the Bras Basah Bugis (BBB) district
