🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 25 (from laksa095)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa025.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history","crawl_time":1776561975,"first_indexed_time":1761999291,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,herworld!www,\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history s443","src_root_hash":"5571158351059072625","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"20 defining moments in National Day Parade history | Her World Singapore","meta_descriptions":["As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, we revisit key National Day Parade highlights that shaped the nation’s story"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Share this article\nSince 1966, the\nNational Day Parade\nhas reflected Singapore’s evolving identity – solemn and spirited, scripted and spontaneous. From the first jets and colour broadcasts to viral memes and heartfelt moments of pride, these are the years that made us go\n“Majulah Singapura”\n.\n1. 1966: The First Parade\n2. 1970: Singapore Takes Flight\n3. 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour\n4. 1976: Hello, National Stadium\n5. 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos\n6. 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls\n7. 1991: The Birth of the Funpack\n8. 1997: Parade Gets Schooled\n9. 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born\n10. 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash\n11. 2007: Enter The Float\n12. 2010: Back to the Padang\n13. 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts\n14. 2015: SG50\n15. 2016: First at the Sports Hub\n16. 2017: The Meme Parade\n17. 2020: The COVID Edition\n18. 2022: Viral Feels\n19. 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah\n20. 2024: Stand-In for Singapore\n1966: The First Parade\nSingapore’s first National Day Parade in 1966 started at 9am at the Padang.\nCredit: SPH\nDid you know the National Day Parade began as a morning celebration? A year after independence, Singapore held its very first National Day Parade at the Padang on 9 August 1966. \nThere were no tanks or jets – just 23,000 participants from uniformed groups, schools and unions marching past a newly sovereign nation’s founding leaders.\n1970: Singapore Takes Flight\nSingapore’s own jet-age pilots made their debut at the fifth National Day parade on 9 August 1970. \nCredit: The Straits Times\nFour years on, the roar of jet engines filled the skies. For the first time, Republic of Singapore Air Force jets made a flypast of the state flag – now an iconic fixture of NDP. It was a symbol of military progress, but also one of aspiration: Singapore could soar.\n1974: NDP Goes Technicolour\nSingaporeans could now see their country’s big day in full colour. The 1974 parade was the first to be broadcast on colour television – a milestone in national broadcasting and a vivid upgrade to a growing spectacle.\n1976: Hello, National Stadium\nBird’s eye view of the contingents and spectators at the National Day Parade at National Stadium on 9 August 1976,\nCredit: SPH\nThe National Stadium hosted the parade for the first time – a venue that would go on to play a key role in shaping Singapore’s sporting and patriotic culture. \nThough 1976 wasn’t the birthplace of the now-iconic Kallang Wave – the rhythmic ripple of raised and lowered arms – its presence at parades held at the stadium in Kallang helped cement the wave’s place in national culture. \nOver the years, the stadium also resonated with the thunderous Kallang Roar, welcomed figures like Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson, and became a symbolic site for many of Singapore’s landmark moments.\n1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos\nSwing Singapore at Orchard Road in 1988.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nWhat was meant to be a post-parade party became a near-stampede. “Swing Singapore” drew 100,000 to Orchard Road – so overwhelming that it had to be shut down mid-event. \nThen-PM Lee Kuan Yew called it a mistake – and, so, a make-up party was successfully planned in just 17 days. It drew a record 250,000 revellers. \n1989: Fireworks and Freefalls\nOne of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989.\nCredit: Berita Harian\nThe Red Lions made their dramatic NDP debut, parachuting into hearts and headlines. It was also the first time fireworks were set off in the day – a blazing show of confidence, colour, and coordination.\n1991: The Birth of the Funpack\nMore than 70,000 goodie bags were distributed to participants and spectators at the National Day Parade on 9 August 1991.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nNDP got a new tradition: the humble funpack. A uniquely Singaporean souvenir stuffed with snacks, drinks, flags, and the occasional whistle, it became both a source of pride and parody in years to come.\n1997: Parade Gets Schooled\nThe National Education (NE) Show was launched, inviting Primary 5 students to attend preview parades. It was a policy masterstroke – part civics lesson, part spectacle – that introduced a new generation to patriotism, mass choreography, and the thrill of fireworks.\n1998: A ‘Home’ is Born\nDick Lee’s “Home,” sung by Kit Chan, premiered – and a modern classic was born. In a city obsessed with constant change, Home struck a rare emotional chord. It’s still sung, still cried to.\n2002: NEWater Makes a Splash\nA parade-goer and his family drinking the newly-released NEWater at the National Stadium.\nCredit: Berita Harian\nSingapore’s water ambitions took centre stage in 2002. That year, NEWater – high-grade reclaimed water – was introduced to the public during NDP, handed out in bottles as both proof of innovation and a nudge towards national self-reliance.\n2007: Enter The Float\nIt was a wet, wild, wonderful evening for more than 100,000 people who ringed the Marina Bay waterfront to usher in Singapore’s 42nd birthday.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nThe Marina Bay floating platform hosted NDP for the first time – a marvel of engineering and a stopgap that lasted far longer than expected. Against the city skyline, it gave NDP a fresh, photogenic backdrop and redefined what a parade could look like.\n2010: Back to the Padang\nThe parade returned to the Padang for Singapore’s 45th National Day Parade.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nA return to roots. In 2010, the parade was staged once more at the Padang, offering a sense of nostalgia amid a rapidly modernising downtown – a poignant loop between past and present.\n2011: New Skylines, New Firsts\nA huge Singapore flag formed by 13,000 people from Young NTUC at the Padang on 9 August 2011.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nThis year’s parade was held against a fully completed Marina Bay skyline – a glossy symbol of Singapore’s urban ambition. It was also the first to feature a female regimental sergeant major: Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, breaking ground in boots.\n2015: SG50\nThe SG50 fireworks were the biggest and boldest at the time, featuring a grand spectacle with never-before-seen pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nTo mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, the National Day Parade returned to the Padang with added fanfare – including the return of the mobile column after a five-year hiatus, featuring a convoy of 177 war vehicles rumbling past the crowds, as well as the grandest NDP fireworks display to date.\nIn a gesture befitting the nation’s golden jubilee, the traditional funpack was expanded beyond parade attendees to reach every Singaporean and Permanent Resident household – about 1.2 million in total – turning the celebration into a truly nationwide affair.\n2016: First at the Sports Hub\nThe dome roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nThe National Day Parade made its debut at the newly built National Stadium – part of the Sports Hub – offering a modern, sleek, and air-conditioned setting. \nThat year, the celebrations took on even more significance as swimmer Joseph Schooling returned from Rio with Singapore’s first Olympic gold. Just days after his historic win, he received a hero’s welcome and made a key appearance at the parade – a moment that doubled as both personal triumph and national pride writ large.\n2017: The Meme Parade\nDuring the parade’s finale, a pupil from Henry Park Primary School famously flipped off the camera – a moment that instantly went viral. Clearly, when the bird flew that year, Singaporeans just couldn’t look away.\n2020: The COVID Edition\nNDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nIn response to the pandemic, the National Day Parade was scaled down and livestreamed, with around 150 spectators and 300 participants. Since its inception in 1966, the parade has never been cancelled – not even during the 1968 downpour or the 2003 SARS outbreak. \nMasked performers and socially distanced celebrations reflected Singapore’s adaptability. Despite the challenges, every household received a funpack, underscoring the nation’s enduring spirit.\n2022: Viral Feels\nThe 2022 National Day Parade was marked by moments that captured both heartfelt patriotism and lighthearted viral fun, reflecting the parade’s unique ability to unite Singaporeans in diverse ways.\nThe cameras caught a heartfelt moment when Mr Azuan Tan was seen tearing up during the national anthem – a clip that quickly went viral, inspiring both praise and memes online.\nCredit: The Straits Times\nThe parade also saw a scare when Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng, a Red Lions parachutist, took a hard landing and was stretchered off. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen later confirmed Heng was stable and receiving medical care.\nMeanwhile, TikTok star Nicole Liel brought levity to the evening when host Rishi Budhrani asked what she was grateful for. Her cheeky shoutout to gaining a HDB BTO queue number and, also, Ya Kun Kaya Toast made the nation laugh – and even earned her 57 cups of coffee and tea from the popular café.\n2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah\nCredit: Berita Harian\nFormer President Halimah Yacob participated in her final NDP selfie – wefie, to be accurate – as the nation bid farewell to its first female head of state. \n2024: Stand-In for Singapore\nFor the second year, the National Day Parade stand-in for President Tharman has gone viral for his good looks. A TikTok clip of the young man – shortly after revealed to be Captain Lam Hong Xiang of the RSAF – waving to the crowd at the Padang has racked up over 330,000 views, sparking curiosity about his identity. \nThe RSAF officially introduced Lam via a viral video, revealing that he volunteered for the role and coordinated closely with parade participants to advise on timings and protocol.\nShare this article","attrs_markdown":"[![logo](data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20fill%3D%22none%22%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22a%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23a\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M79.702%2078.555c0%2033.03%2018.767%2046.361%2035.801%2046.361%2014.149%200%2029.738-7.033%2034.505-28.595l-1.445-.306c-3.61%2015.903-14.005%2027.371-33.06%2027.371-13.86%200-13.716-22.173-13.716-41.594V67.415h49.662c0-23.393-13.136-40.674-35.946-40.674-17.034%200-35.801%2018.94-35.801%2051.814m35.801-50.283c14.437%200%2014.005%2026.455%2013.861%2037.617h-27.573c-.004-18.353.865-37.617%2013.712-37.617%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22b%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23b\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M86.81%20105.474h-1.445c0%2010.547-4.475%2011.463-5.483%2011.463-2.454%200-4.475-3.514-4.475-11.921V48.264c0-14.83-10.826-21.558-22.229-21.558-10.97%200-22.66%206.118-25.983%2017.276V8.478c-.515-4.763-4.26-8.48-8.893-8.48H.522v1.53H.5c2.886%200%204.763%201.988%204.763%205.045v110.211c0%203.057-1.877%205.045-4.763%205.045h.022v1.531h31.423v-1.531h.021c-2.885%200-4.762-1.988-4.762-5.045V50.252c0-10.395%208.949-18.806%2016.31-18.806%205.338%200%209.813%204.13%209.813%2014.83v58.74c0%2013.909%207.796%2019.874%2016.165%2019.874%209.958.005%2017.318-6.418%2017.318-19.416%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22c%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23c\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M225.911%2042.197c0-10.552-11.259-16.818-22.954-16.818-10.682%200-21.513%205.045-25.119%2016.975v-7.352c-.48-4.574-3.977-8.148-8.364-8.398h-18.322v1.53h-.022c2.886%200%204.763%201.99%204.763%205.046v81.371h.004c.293%204.814%203.942%208.633%208.509%208.846v.004h18.173v-1.53h.022c-2.886%200-4.763-1.989-4.763-5.045V48.62c0-10.552%209.094-19.269%2016.602-19.269%204.763%200%208.805%203.672%209.386%2012.693%200%206.881%204.619%2011.773%2011.119%2011.773%206.631%200%2010.966-4.587%2010.966-11.62%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22d%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23d\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M234.434%2028.315c2.925%200%205.583%202.312%206.779%205.863l29.782%2089.218h1.597l20.61-61.852%2020.609%2061.852h1.598l29.781-89.218c1.196-3.556%203.855-5.863%206.78-5.863h.183v-1.776h-11.538v1.776h.184c2.925%200%203.99%202.312%202.794%205.863l-18.082%2054.209-18.082-54.209c-1.196-3.556-.131-5.863%202.794-5.863h.183v-1.776h-33.343v1.776h.183c2.925%200%205.583%202.312%206.78%205.863l8.373%2025.058-9.705%2029.15-18.082-54.208c-1.196-3.556-.131-5.863%202.794-5.863h.184v-1.776h-33.344v1.776z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22e%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23e\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M377.826%20124.491c17.034%200%2038.211-15.699%2038.211-48.882%200-33.03-21.177-48.73-38.211-48.73-17.035%200-38.067%2015.857-38.067%2048.73.004%2033.026%2021.032%2048.882%2038.067%2048.882m0-96.085c13.86%200%2016.121%2028.24%2016.121%2047.356%200%2019.116-2.261%2047.198-16.121%2047.198-13.861%200-15.978-27.777-15.978-47.198%200-19.422%202.122-47.356%2015.978-47.356%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22f%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23f\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M490.482%2042.197c0-10.552-11.258-16.818-22.953-16.818-10.683%200-21.513%205.045-25.119%2016.975v-7.352c-.48-4.574-3.977-8.148-8.365-8.398h-18.326v1.53h-.022c2.886%200%204.763%201.99%204.763%205.046v81.371h.004c.293%204.814%203.943%208.633%208.509%208.846v.004h18.173v-1.53h.022c-2.885%200-4.763-1.989-4.763-5.045V48.62c0-10.552%209.094-19.269%2016.602-19.269%204.763%200%208.806%203.672%209.386%2012.693%200%206.881%204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20 defining moments in National Day Parade history\nAs Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, we revisit key National Day Parade highlights that shaped the nation’s story\n\nBy Elise Wong - 8 Aug 2025\n\n![pixndp12\/ST20250712\\_202503600358\/Ng Sor Luan\/NDP 2025 National Education Show 3.](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/5776d90da99deeeb0c2faf54a92bb51913ef8d21c90a2b8f9ed3afae74b7b651?w=1000&q=85)\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\n##### Share this article\nSince 1966, the [National Day Parade](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/ndp-2022-experience?ref=contentblockl) has reflected Singapore’s evolving identity – solemn and spirited, scripted and spontaneous. From the first jets and colour broadcasts to viral memes and heartfelt moments of pride, these are the years that made us go [“Majulah Singapura”](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/pov\/people\/women-love-singapore-her-world-tribe?ref=contentblockl).\n\n20 defining moments in National Day Parade history\n\n1. [1\\. 1966: The First Parade](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1966-the-first-parade)\n2. [2\\. 1970: Singapore Takes Flight](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1970-singapore-takes-flight)\n3. [3\\. 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1974-ndp-goes-technicolour)\n4. [4\\. 1976: Hello, National Stadium](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1976-hello-national-stadium)\n5. [5\\. 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1988-swing-singapore-and-its-chaos)\n6. [6\\. 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1989-fireworks-and-freefalls)\n7. [7\\. 1991: The Birth of the Funpack](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1991-the-birth-of-the-funpack)\n8. [8\\. 1997: Parade Gets Schooled](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1997-parade-gets-schooled)\n9. [9\\. 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1998-a-home-is-born)\n10. [10\\. 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2002-newater-makes-a-splash)\n11. [11\\. 2007: Enter The Float](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2007-enter-the-float)\n12. [12\\. 2010: Back to the Padang](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2010-back-to-the-padang)\n13. [13\\. 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2011-new-skylines-new-firsts)\n14. [14\\. 2015: SG50](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2015-sg50)\n15. [15\\. 2016: First at the Sports Hub](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2016-first-at-the-sports-hub)\n16. [16\\. 2017: The Meme Parade](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2017-the-meme-parade)\n17. [17\\. 2020: The COVID Edition](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2020-the-covid-edition)\n18. [18\\. 2022: Viral Feels](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2022-viral-feels)\n19. [19\\. 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2023-former-president-halimah-s-last-hurrah)\n20. [20\\. 2024: Stand-In for Singapore](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2024-stand-in-for-singapore)\n## 1966: The First Parade\n![ZB2013 (ArchivePix) \/ 09Aug1966 - ¹úÇìÈÕ´óÓÎÐÐ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/d0d9bc64dc678e368bcdb904076d6b5dcdbcdcb7e8acb10fa864ce4e73a612d6?w=660&q=85)\n\nSingapore’s first National Day Parade in 1966 started at 9am at the Padang.\n\nCredit: SPH\n\nDid you know the National Day Parade began as a morning celebration? A year after independence, Singapore held its very first National Day Parade at the Padang on 9 August 1966.\n\nThere were no tanks or jets – just 23,000 participants from uniformed groups, schools and unions marching past a newly sovereign nation’s founding leaders.\n\n## 1970: Singapore Takes Flight\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/e69e062ebc368ab28fa40ca9c88ca4d33215bc7a4dc16df755e45bb0363db2ae?w=660&q=85)\n\nSingapore’s own jet-age pilots made their debut at the fifth National Day parade on 9 August 1970.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nFour years on, the roar of jet engines filled the skies. For the first time, Republic of Singapore Air Force jets made a flypast of the state flag – now an iconic fixture of NDP. It was a symbol of military progress, but also one of aspiration: Singapore could soar.\n\n## 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/a9GJLZug6lE\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nPlay\n\nSingaporeans could now see their country’s big day in full colour. The 1974 parade was the first to be broadcast on colour television – a milestone in national broadcasting and a vivid upgrade to a growing spectacle.\n\n## 1976: Hello, National Stadium\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/31ae8ecfd5119d6d9e4da523ad3a785f46e2abebe4d1789ec7ae715bb120e26c?w=660&q=85)\n\nBird’s eye view of the contingents and spectators at the National Day Parade at National Stadium on 9 August 1976,\n\nCredit: SPH\n\nThe National Stadium hosted the parade for the first time – a venue that would go on to play a key role in shaping Singapore’s sporting and patriotic culture.\n\nThough 1976 wasn’t the birthplace of the now-iconic Kallang Wave – the rhythmic ripple of raised and lowered arms – its presence at parades held at the stadium in Kallang helped cement the wave’s place in national culture.\n\nOver the years, the stadium also resonated with the thunderous Kallang Roar, welcomed figures like Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson, and became a symbolic site for many of Singapore’s landmark moments.\n\n## 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/14b0200fd7f4a8e5f33ac2058f2b313112bf8fc9db0d53c0f84c265023c3f86f?w=660&q=85)\n\nSwing Singapore at Orchard Road in 1988.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nWhat was meant to be a post-parade party became a near-stampede. “Swing Singapore” drew 100,000 to Orchard Road – so overwhelming that it had to be shut down mid-event.\n\nThen-PM Lee Kuan Yew called it a mistake – and, so, a make-up party was successfully planned in just 17 days. It drew a record 250,000 revellers.\n\n## 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls\n![One of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989. ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/7664cd35d7aa281344125e2e86c0710aaf83d34fdb3c8f164d4fc4094fe7079d?w=660&q=85)\n\nOne of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989.\n\nCredit: Berita Harian\n\nThe Red Lions made their dramatic NDP debut, parachuting into hearts and headlines. It was also the first time fireworks were set off in the day – a blazing show of confidence, colour, and coordination.\n\n## 1991: The Birth of the Funpack\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/ea1110b270e51ee7f711dc7a99cc03798f0613afdd390516b10bc674a0c29424?w=660&q=85)\n\nMore than 70,000 goodie bags were distributed to participants and spectators at the National Day Parade on 9 August 1991.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nNDP got a new tradition: the humble funpack. A uniquely Singaporean souvenir stuffed with snacks, drinks, flags, and the occasional whistle, it became both a source of pride and parody in years to come.\n\n## 1997: Parade Gets Schooled\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/8ZHdd8i4KxY\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nPlay\n\nThe National Education (NE) Show was launched, inviting Primary 5 students to attend preview parades. It was a policy masterstroke – part civics lesson, part spectacle – that introduced a new generation to patriotism, mass choreography, and the thrill of fireworks.\n\n## 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/-u3GcGDHiB8\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nPlay\n\nDick Lee’s “Home,” sung by Kit Chan, premiered – and a modern classic was born. In a city obsessed with constant change, Home struck a rare emotional chord. It’s still sung, still cried to.\n\n## 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/27e10093442acdf3207e9dd133c0334e7444d3a89e1c7d4a235fd64c0286b494?w=660&q=85)\n\nA parade-goer and his family drinking the newly-released NEWater at the National Stadium.\n\nCredit: Berita Harian\n\nSingapore’s water ambitions took centre stage in 2002. That year, NEWater – high-grade reclaimed water – was introduced to the public during NDP, handed out in bottles as both proof of innovation and a nudge towards national self-reliance.\n\n## 2007: Enter The Float\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/c7b0d6b6d829bcd1ac61b6292dd92705162ea6c1862538e3a800b9f6db52589f?w=660&q=85)\n\nIt was a wet, wild, wonderful evening for more than 100,000 people who ringed the Marina Bay waterfront to usher in Singapore’s 42nd birthday.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThe Marina Bay floating platform hosted NDP for the first time – a marvel of engineering and a stopgap that lasted far longer than expected. Against the city skyline, it gave NDP a fresh, photogenic backdrop and redefined what a parade could look like.\n\n## 2010: Back to the Padang\n![ST09082010-171256 Caroline Chia\/ National Day Parade 2010 at the Padang. ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/c57d363e7ae9c3a79eed8ba521d2fdc7e34b543b2a171481f9e15abbae1e7647?w=660&q=85)\n\nThe parade returned to the Padang for Singapore’s 45th National Day Parade.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nA return to roots. In 2010, the parade was staged once more at the Padang, offering a sense of nostalgia amid a rapidly modernising downtown – a poignant loop between past and present.\n\n## 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/d278158dff604e973479e23d8004046cb62926320d60c0c57c0f9f860a8dc079?w=660&q=85)\n\nA huge Singapore flag formed by 13,000 people from Young NTUC at the Padang on 9 August 2011.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThis year’s parade was held against a fully completed Marina Bay skyline – a glossy symbol of Singapore’s urban ambition. It was also the first to feature a female regimental sergeant major: Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, breaking ground in boots.\n\n## 2015: SG50\n![The fireworks display setting off at the Padang, from the rooftops of buildings and barges on water, at the National Day Parade (NDP) on 9 August 2015. The fireworks were the biggest and boldest to date, featuring a grand spectacle with pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings. The display included never-before-seen segments such as a rainbow arc and a shell display specially designed for the celebrations.](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/cf30d4dc5d3c067ee13347a81c3327dee4392e5fbf2c4c45278efe5ec2579d4e?w=660&q=85)\n\nThe SG50 fireworks were the biggest and boldest at the time, featuring a grand spectacle with never-before-seen pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nTo mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, the National Day Parade returned to the Padang with added fanfare – including the return of the mobile column after a five-year hiatus, featuring a convoy of 177 war vehicles rumbling past the crowds, as well as the grandest NDP fireworks display to date.\n\nIn a gesture befitting the nation’s golden jubilee, the traditional funpack was expanded beyond parade attendees to reach every Singaporean and Permanent Resident household – about 1.2 million in total – turning the celebration into a truly nationwide affair.\n\n## 2016: First at the Sports Hub\n![The doom roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016. \\[NDP 2016 \\] ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/0b11e69d2cddc859f7ff1976074f92fab5f71bd650acf48296c996fcf8af2340?w=660&q=85)\n\nThe dome roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThe National Day Parade made its debut at the newly built National Stadium – part of the Sports Hub – offering a modern, sleek, and air-conditioned setting.\n\nThat year, the celebrations took on even more significance as swimmer Joseph Schooling returned from Rio with Singapore’s first Olympic gold. Just days after his historic win, he received a hero’s welcome and made a key appearance at the parade – a moment that doubled as both personal triumph and national pride writ large.\n\n## 2017: The Meme Parade\nDuring the parade’s finale, a pupil from Henry Park Primary School famously flipped off the camera – a moment that instantly went viral. Clearly, when the bird flew that year, Singaporeans just couldn’t look away.\n\n## 2020: The COVID Edition\n![NDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020.](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/83e490238a1455140c760f6104e5c45fdff447f4ea10fa6851f6862446855898?w=660&q=85)\n\nNDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nIn response to the pandemic, the National Day Parade was scaled down and livestreamed, with around 150 spectators and 300 participants. Since its inception in 1966, the parade has never been cancelled – not even during the 1968 downpour or the 2003 SARS outbreak.\n\nMasked performers and socially distanced celebrations reflected Singapore’s adaptability. Despite the challenges, every household received a funpack, underscoring the nation’s enduring spirit.\n\n## 2022: Viral Feels\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/NUyw_A0cuIQ\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nPlay\n\nThe 2022 National Day Parade was marked by moments that captured both heartfelt patriotism and lighthearted viral fun, reflecting the parade’s unique ability to unite Singaporeans in diverse ways.\n\nThe cameras caught a heartfelt moment when Mr Azuan Tan was seen tearing up during the national anthem – a clip that quickly went viral, inspiring both praise and memes online.\n\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/c003a78c7de1ecdbc7e24c6d0e94a53028547f7cb6447055259def4c41c02d44?w=660&q=85)\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThe parade also saw a scare when Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng, a Red Lions parachutist, took a hard landing and was stretchered off. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen later confirmed Heng was stable and receiving medical care.\n\nMeanwhile, TikTok star Nicole Liel brought levity to the evening when host Rishi Budhrani asked what she was grateful for. Her cheeky shoutout to gaining a HDB BTO queue number and, also, Ya Kun Kaya Toast made the nation laugh – and even earned her 57 cups of coffee and tea from the popular café.\n\n## 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/d91707d08cb2395bb7b188b189a1939070759d394989977a7ea2ace97b9cc654?w=660&q=85)\n\nCredit: Berita Harian\n\nFormer President Halimah Yacob participated in her final NDP selfie – wefie, to be accurate – as the nation bid farewell to its first female head of state.\n\n## 2024: Stand-In for Singapore\nFor the second year, the National Day Parade stand-in for President Tharman has gone viral for his good looks. A TikTok clip of the young man – shortly after revealed to be Captain Lam Hong Xiang of the RSAF – waving to the crowd at the Padang has racked up over 330,000 views, sparking curiosity about his identity.\n\nThe RSAF officially introduced Lam via a viral video, revealing that he volunteered for the role and coordinated closely with parade participants to advise on timings and protocol.\n\n#### Tags\n[SG60](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/tag\/sg60)[National Day](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/tag\/national-day)[heritage](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/tag\/heritage-0)[history](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/tag\/history)\n##### Share this article\n\n***\n[![Her World Singapore](data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20fill%3D%22none%22%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22a%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23a\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M79.702%2078.555c0%2033.03%2018.767%2046.361%2035.801%2046.361%2014.149%200%2029.738-7.033%2034.505-28.595l-1.445-.306c-3.61%2015.903-14.005%2027.371-33.06%2027.371-13.86%200-13.716-22.173-13.716-41.594V67.415h49.662c0-23.393-13.136-40.674-35.946-40.674-17.034%200-35.801%2018.94-35.801%2051.814m35.801-50.283c14.437%200%2014.005%2026.455%2013.861%2037.617h-27.573c-.004-18.353.865-37.617%2013.712-37.617%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22b%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23b\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M86.81%20105.474h-1.445c0%2010.547-4.475%2011.463-5.483%2011.463-2.454%200-4.475-3.514-4.475-11.921V48.264c0-14.83-10.826-21.558-22.229-21.558-10.97%200-22.66%206.118-25.983%2017.276V8.478c-.515-4.763-4.26-8.48-8.893-8.48H.522v1.53H.5c2.886%200%204.763%201.988%204.763%205.045v110.211c0%203.057-1.877%205.045-4.763%205.045h.022v1.531h31.423v-1.531h.021c-2.885%200-4.762-1.988-4.762-5.045V50.252c0-10.395%208.949-18.806%2016.31-18.806%205.338%200%209.813%204.13%209.813%2014.83v58.74c0%2013.909%207.796%2019.874%2016.165%2019.874%209.958.005%2017.318-6.418%2017.318-19.416%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22c%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23c\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M225.911%2042.197c0-10.552-11.259-16.818-22.954-16.818-10.682%200-21.513%205.045-25.119%2016.975v-7.352c-.48-4.574-3.977-8.148-8.364-8.398h-18.322v1.53h-.022c2.886%200%204.763%201.99%204.763%205.046v81.371h.004c.293%204.814%203.942%208.633%208.509%208.846v.004h18.173v-1.53h.022c-2.886%200-4.763-1.989-4.763-5.045V48.62c0-10.552%209.094-19.269%2016.602-19.269%204.763%200%208.805%203.672%209.386%2012.693%200%206.881%204.619%2011.773%2011.119%2011.773%206.631%200%2010.966-4.587%2010.966-11.62%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22d%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23d\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M234.434%2028.315c2.925%200%205.583%202.312%206.779%205.863l29.782%2089.218h1.597l20.61-61.852%2020.609%2061.852h1.598l29.781-89.218c1.196-3.556%203.855-5.863%206.78-5.863h.183v-1.776h-11.538v1.776h.184c2.925%200%203.99%202.312%202.794%205.863l-18.082%2054.209-18.082-54.209c-1.196-3.556-.131-5.863%202.794-5.863h.183v-1.776h-33.343v1.776h.183c2.925%200%205.583%202.312%206.78%205.863l8.373%2025.058-9.705%2029.15-18.082-54.208c-1.196-3.556-.131-5.863%202.794-5.863h.184v-1.776h-33.344v1.776z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22e%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23e\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M377.826%20124.491c17.034%200%2038.211-15.699%2038.211-48.882%200-33.03-21.177-48.73-38.211-48.73-17.035%200-38.067%2015.857-38.067%2048.73.004%2033.026%2021.032%2048.882%2038.067%2048.882m0-96.085c13.86%200%2016.121%2028.24%2016.121%2047.356%200%2019.116-2.261%2047.198-16.121%2047.198-13.861%200-15.978-27.777-15.978-47.198%200-19.422%202.122-47.356%2015.978-47.356%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22f%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23f\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M490.482%2042.197c0-10.552-11.258-16.818-22.953-16.818-10.683%200-21.513%205.045-25.119%2016.975v-7.352c-.48-4.574-3.977-8.148-8.365-8.398h-18.326v1.53h-.022c2.886%200%204.763%201.99%204.763%205.046v81.371h.004c.293%204.814%203.943%208.633%208.509%208.846v.004h18.173v-1.53h.022c-2.885%200-4.763-1.989-4.763-5.045V48.62c0-10.552%209.094-19.269%2016.602-19.269%204.763%200%208.806%203.672%209.386%2012.693%200%206.881%204.619%2011.773%2011.119%2011.773%206.64%200%2010.97-4.587%2010.97-11.62%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22g%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23g\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%20103.974h-1.445c0%2010.553-4.474%2011.468-5.483%2011.468-2.453%200-4.474-3.519-4.474-11.925V6.585c0-3.056%201.877-5.045%204.762-5.045h-.166V.01h-17.715c-4.942%200-8.953%204.24-8.962%209.475h-.009v23.333c-6.063-3.977-9.84-5.503-16.48-5.503-17.034%200-35.801%2014.169-35.801%2047.046%200%2033.183%2013.101%2050.718%2035.801%2050.718%208.085%200%2013.302-2.294%2019.942-8.254%203.03%204.587%207.797%206.575%2012.704%206.575%209.966-.004%2017.326-6.427%2017.326-19.426m-30.75%2011.625c-4.763%204.435-10.84%205.822-13.38%205.822-11.482%200-19.558-16.933-19.558-46.907%200-29.97%2010.914-43.222%2019.885-43.222%203.3%200%206.264.153%2010.307%203.057v69.172c.004%205.04%201.017%209.017%202.746%2012.078%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3Cmask%20id%3D%22h%22%20width%3D%22603%22%20height%3D%22126%22%20x%3D%220%22%20y%3D%220%22%20maskUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%20style%3D%22mask-type%3Aluminance%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23fff%22%20d%3D%22M602.5%200H.5v125.074h602z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fmask%3E%3Cg%20mask%3D%22url\\(%23h\\)%22%3E%3Cpath%20fill%3D%22%23000%22%20d%3D%22M516.984%20121.865c-2.885%200-4.763-1.988-4.763-5.045V9.466C512.2%204.241%20508.196.01%20503.259.01h-17.724v1.53h-.022c2.89%200%204.763%201.989%204.763%205.045v108.418c.515%204.564%204.029%208.129%208.434%208.337v.06h18.252v-1.53h.022z%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/)\n\n[About 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Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"Share this article\n\nSince 1966, the [National Day Parade](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/ndp-2022-experience?ref=contentblockl) has reflected Singapore’s evolving identity – solemn and spirited, scripted and spontaneous. From the first jets and colour broadcasts to viral memes and heartfelt moments of pride, these are the years that made us go [“Majulah Singapura”](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/pov\/people\/women-love-singapore-her-world-tribe?ref=contentblockl).\n\n1. [1\\. 1966: The First Parade](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1966-the-first-parade)\n2. [2\\. 1970: Singapore Takes Flight](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1970-singapore-takes-flight)\n3. [3\\. 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1974-ndp-goes-technicolour)\n4. [4\\. 1976: Hello, National Stadium](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1976-hello-national-stadium)\n5. [5\\. 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1988-swing-singapore-and-its-chaos)\n6. [6\\. 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1989-fireworks-and-freefalls)\n7. [7\\. 1991: The Birth of the Funpack](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1991-the-birth-of-the-funpack)\n8. [8\\. 1997: Parade Gets Schooled](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1997-parade-gets-schooled)\n9. [9\\. 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1998-a-home-is-born)\n10. [10\\. 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2002-newater-makes-a-splash)\n11. [11\\. 2007: Enter The Float](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2007-enter-the-float)\n12. [12\\. 2010: Back to the Padang](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2010-back-to-the-padang)\n13. [13\\. 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2011-new-skylines-new-firsts)\n14. [14\\. 2015: SG50](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2015-sg50)\n15. [15\\. 2016: First at the Sports Hub](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2016-first-at-the-sports-hub)\n16. [16\\. 2017: The Meme Parade](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2017-the-meme-parade)\n17. [17\\. 2020: The COVID Edition](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2020-the-covid-edition)\n18. [18\\. 2022: Viral Feels](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2022-viral-feels)\n19. [19\\. 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2023-former-president-halimah-s-last-hurrah)\n20. [20\\. 2024: Stand-In for Singapore](https:\/\/www.herworld.com\/life\/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2024-stand-in-for-singapore)\n## 1966: The First Parade\n![ZB2013 (ArchivePix) \/ 09Aug1966 - ¹úÇìÈÕ´óÓÎÐÐ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/d0d9bc64dc678e368bcdb904076d6b5dcdbcdcb7e8acb10fa864ce4e73a612d6?w=660&q=85)\n\nSingapore’s first National Day Parade in 1966 started at 9am at the Padang.\n\nCredit: SPH\n\nDid you know the National Day Parade began as a morning celebration? A year after independence, Singapore held its very first National Day Parade at the Padang on 9 August 1966.\n\nThere were no tanks or jets – just 23,000 participants from uniformed groups, schools and unions marching past a newly sovereign nation’s founding leaders.\n\n## 1970: Singapore Takes Flight\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/e69e062ebc368ab28fa40ca9c88ca4d33215bc7a4dc16df755e45bb0363db2ae?w=660&q=85)\n\nSingapore’s own jet-age pilots made their debut at the fifth National Day parade on 9 August 1970.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nFour years on, the roar of jet engines filled the skies. For the first time, Republic of Singapore Air Force jets made a flypast of the state flag – now an iconic fixture of NDP. It was a symbol of military progress, but also one of aspiration: Singapore could soar.\n\n## 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/a9GJLZug6lE\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nSingaporeans could now see their country’s big day in full colour. The 1974 parade was the first to be broadcast on colour television – a milestone in national broadcasting and a vivid upgrade to a growing spectacle.\n\n## 1976: Hello, National Stadium\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/31ae8ecfd5119d6d9e4da523ad3a785f46e2abebe4d1789ec7ae715bb120e26c?w=660&q=85)\n\nBird’s eye view of the contingents and spectators at the National Day Parade at National Stadium on 9 August 1976,\n\nCredit: SPH\n\nThe National Stadium hosted the parade for the first time – a venue that would go on to play a key role in shaping Singapore’s sporting and patriotic culture.\n\nThough 1976 wasn’t the birthplace of the now-iconic Kallang Wave – the rhythmic ripple of raised and lowered arms – its presence at parades held at the stadium in Kallang helped cement the wave’s place in national culture.\n\nOver the years, the stadium also resonated with the thunderous Kallang Roar, welcomed figures like Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson, and became a symbolic site for many of Singapore’s landmark moments.\n\n## 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/14b0200fd7f4a8e5f33ac2058f2b313112bf8fc9db0d53c0f84c265023c3f86f?w=660&q=85)\n\nSwing Singapore at Orchard Road in 1988.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nWhat was meant to be a post-parade party became a near-stampede. “Swing Singapore” drew 100,000 to Orchard Road – so overwhelming that it had to be shut down mid-event.\n\nThen-PM Lee Kuan Yew called it a mistake – and, so, a make-up party was successfully planned in just 17 days. It drew a record 250,000 revellers.\n\n## 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls\n![One of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989. ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/7664cd35d7aa281344125e2e86c0710aaf83d34fdb3c8f164d4fc4094fe7079d?w=660&q=85)\n\nOne of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989.\n\nCredit: Berita Harian\n\nThe Red Lions made their dramatic NDP debut, parachuting into hearts and headlines. It was also the first time fireworks were set off in the day – a blazing show of confidence, colour, and coordination.\n\n## 1991: The Birth of the Funpack\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/ea1110b270e51ee7f711dc7a99cc03798f0613afdd390516b10bc674a0c29424?w=660&q=85)\n\nMore than 70,000 goodie bags were distributed to participants and spectators at the National Day Parade on 9 August 1991.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nNDP got a new tradition: the humble funpack. A uniquely Singaporean souvenir stuffed with snacks, drinks, flags, and the occasional whistle, it became both a source of pride and parody in years to come.\n\n## 1997: Parade Gets Schooled\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/8ZHdd8i4KxY\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nThe National Education (NE) Show was launched, inviting Primary 5 students to attend preview parades. It was a policy masterstroke – part civics lesson, part spectacle – that introduced a new generation to patriotism, mass choreography, and the thrill of fireworks.\n\n## 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/-u3GcGDHiB8\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nDick Lee’s “Home,” sung by Kit Chan, premiered – and a modern classic was born. In a city obsessed with constant change, Home struck a rare emotional chord. It’s still sung, still cried to.\n\n## 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/27e10093442acdf3207e9dd133c0334e7444d3a89e1c7d4a235fd64c0286b494?w=660&q=85)\n\nA parade-goer and his family drinking the newly-released NEWater at the National Stadium.\n\nCredit: Berita Harian\n\nSingapore’s water ambitions took centre stage in 2002. That year, NEWater – high-grade reclaimed water – was introduced to the public during NDP, handed out in bottles as both proof of innovation and a nudge towards national self-reliance.\n\n## 2007: Enter The Float\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/c7b0d6b6d829bcd1ac61b6292dd92705162ea6c1862538e3a800b9f6db52589f?w=660&q=85)\n\nIt was a wet, wild, wonderful evening for more than 100,000 people who ringed the Marina Bay waterfront to usher in Singapore’s 42nd birthday.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThe Marina Bay floating platform hosted NDP for the first time – a marvel of engineering and a stopgap that lasted far longer than expected. Against the city skyline, it gave NDP a fresh, photogenic backdrop and redefined what a parade could look like.\n\n## 2010: Back to the Padang\n![ST09082010-171256 Caroline Chia\/ National Day Parade 2010 at the Padang. ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/c57d363e7ae9c3a79eed8ba521d2fdc7e34b543b2a171481f9e15abbae1e7647?w=660&q=85)\n\nThe parade returned to the Padang for Singapore’s 45th National Day Parade.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nA return to roots. In 2010, the parade was staged once more at the Padang, offering a sense of nostalgia amid a rapidly modernising downtown – a poignant loop between past and present.\n\n## 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/d278158dff604e973479e23d8004046cb62926320d60c0c57c0f9f860a8dc079?w=660&q=85)\n\nA huge Singapore flag formed by 13,000 people from Young NTUC at the Padang on 9 August 2011.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThis year’s parade was held against a fully completed Marina Bay skyline – a glossy symbol of Singapore’s urban ambition. It was also the first to feature a female regimental sergeant major: Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, breaking ground in boots.\n\n## 2015: SG50\n![The fireworks display setting off at the Padang, from the rooftops of buildings and barges on water, at the National Day Parade (NDP) on 9 August 2015. The fireworks were the biggest and boldest to date, featuring a grand spectacle with pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings. The display included never-before-seen segments such as a rainbow arc and a shell display specially designed for the celebrations.](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/cf30d4dc5d3c067ee13347a81c3327dee4392e5fbf2c4c45278efe5ec2579d4e?w=660&q=85)\n\nThe SG50 fireworks were the biggest and boldest at the time, featuring a grand spectacle with never-before-seen pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nTo mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, the National Day Parade returned to the Padang with added fanfare – including the return of the mobile column after a five-year hiatus, featuring a convoy of 177 war vehicles rumbling past the crowds, as well as the grandest NDP fireworks display to date.\n\nIn a gesture befitting the nation’s golden jubilee, the traditional funpack was expanded beyond parade attendees to reach every Singaporean and Permanent Resident household – about 1.2 million in total – turning the celebration into a truly nationwide affair.\n\n## 2016: First at the Sports Hub\n![The doom roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016. \\[NDP 2016 \\] ](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/0b11e69d2cddc859f7ff1976074f92fab5f71bd650acf48296c996fcf8af2340?w=660&q=85)\n\nThe dome roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThe National Day Parade made its debut at the newly built National Stadium – part of the Sports Hub – offering a modern, sleek, and air-conditioned setting.\n\nThat year, the celebrations took on even more significance as swimmer Joseph Schooling returned from Rio with Singapore’s first Olympic gold. Just days after his historic win, he received a hero’s welcome and made a key appearance at the parade – a moment that doubled as both personal triumph and national pride writ large.\n\n## 2017: The Meme Parade\nDuring the parade’s finale, a pupil from Henry Park Primary School famously flipped off the camera – a moment that instantly went viral. Clearly, when the bird flew that year, Singaporeans just couldn’t look away.\n\n## 2020: The COVID Edition\n![NDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020.](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/83e490238a1455140c760f6104e5c45fdff447f4ea10fa6851f6862446855898?w=660&q=85)\n\nNDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020.\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nIn response to the pandemic, the National Day Parade was scaled down and livestreamed, with around 150 spectators and 300 participants. Since its inception in 1966, the parade has never been cancelled – not even during the 1968 downpour or the 2003 SARS outbreak.\n\nMasked performers and socially distanced celebrations reflected Singapore’s adaptability. Despite the challenges, every household received a funpack, underscoring the nation’s enduring spirit.\n\n## 2022: Viral Feels\n![](https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/NUyw_A0cuIQ\/hqdefault.jpg)\n\nThe 2022 National Day Parade was marked by moments that captured both heartfelt patriotism and lighthearted viral fun, reflecting the parade’s unique ability to unite Singaporeans in diverse ways.\n\nThe cameras caught a heartfelt moment when Mr Azuan Tan was seen tearing up during the national anthem – a clip that quickly went viral, inspiring both praise and memes online.\n\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/c003a78c7de1ecdbc7e24c6d0e94a53028547f7cb6447055259def4c41c02d44?w=660&q=85)\n\nCredit: The Straits Times\n\nThe parade also saw a scare when Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng, a Red Lions parachutist, took a hard landing and was stretchered off. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen later confirmed Heng was stable and receiving medical care.\n\nMeanwhile, TikTok star Nicole Liel brought levity to the evening when host Rishi Budhrani asked what she was grateful for. Her cheeky shoutout to gaining a HDB BTO queue number and, also, Ya Kun Kaya Toast made the nation laugh – and even earned her 57 cups of coffee and tea from the popular café.\n\n## 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah\n![](https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/herworld\/d91707d08cb2395bb7b188b189a1939070759d394989977a7ea2ace97b9cc654?w=660&q=85)\n\nCredit: Berita Harian\n\nFormer President Halimah Yacob participated in her final NDP selfie – wefie, to be accurate – as the nation bid farewell to its first female head of state.\n\n## 2024: Stand-In for Singapore\nFor the second year, the National Day Parade stand-in for President Tharman has gone viral for his good looks. A TikTok clip of the young man – shortly after revealed to be Captain Lam Hong Xiang of the RSAF – waving to the crowd at the Padang has racked up over 330,000 views, sparking curiosity about his identity.\n\nThe RSAF officially introduced Lam via a viral video, revealing that he volunteered for the role and coordinated closely with parade participants to advise on timings and protocol.\n\nShare this article","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history
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Meta Title	20 defining moments in National Day Parade history \| Her World Singapore
Meta Description	As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, we revisit key National Day Parade highlights that shaped the nation’s story
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Boilerpipe Text	Share this article Since 1966, the National Day Parade has reflected Singapore’s evolving identity – solemn and spirited, scripted and spontaneous. From the first jets and colour broadcasts to viral memes and heartfelt moments of pride, these are the years that made us go “Majulah Singapura” . 1. 1966: The First Parade 2. 1970: Singapore Takes Flight 3. 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour 4. 1976: Hello, National Stadium 5. 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos 6. 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls 7. 1991: The Birth of the Funpack 8. 1997: Parade Gets Schooled 9. 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born 10. 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash 11. 2007: Enter The Float 12. 2010: Back to the Padang 13. 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts 14. 2015: SG50 15. 2016: First at the Sports Hub 16. 2017: The Meme Parade 17. 2020: The COVID Edition 18. 2022: Viral Feels 19. 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah 20. 2024: Stand-In for Singapore 1966: The First Parade Singapore’s first National Day Parade in 1966 started at 9am at the Padang. Credit: SPH Did you know the National Day Parade began as a morning celebration? A year after independence, Singapore held its very first National Day Parade at the Padang on 9 August 1966. There were no tanks or jets – just 23,000 participants from uniformed groups, schools and unions marching past a newly sovereign nation’s founding leaders. 1970: Singapore Takes Flight Singapore’s own jet-age pilots made their debut at the fifth National Day parade on 9 August 1970. Credit: The Straits Times Four years on, the roar of jet engines filled the skies. For the first time, Republic of Singapore Air Force jets made a flypast of the state flag – now an iconic fixture of NDP. It was a symbol of military progress, but also one of aspiration: Singapore could soar. 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour Singaporeans could now see their country’s big day in full colour. The 1974 parade was the first to be broadcast on colour television – a milestone in national broadcasting and a vivid upgrade to a growing spectacle. 1976: Hello, National Stadium Bird’s eye view of the contingents and spectators at the National Day Parade at National Stadium on 9 August 1976, Credit: SPH The National Stadium hosted the parade for the first time – a venue that would go on to play a key role in shaping Singapore’s sporting and patriotic culture. Though 1976 wasn’t the birthplace of the now-iconic Kallang Wave – the rhythmic ripple of raised and lowered arms – its presence at parades held at the stadium in Kallang helped cement the wave’s place in national culture. Over the years, the stadium also resonated with the thunderous Kallang Roar, welcomed figures like Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson, and became a symbolic site for many of Singapore’s landmark moments. 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos Swing Singapore at Orchard Road in 1988. Credit: The Straits Times What was meant to be a post-parade party became a near-stampede. “Swing Singapore” drew 100,000 to Orchard Road – so overwhelming that it had to be shut down mid-event. Then-PM Lee Kuan Yew called it a mistake – and, so, a make-up party was successfully planned in just 17 days. It drew a record 250,000 revellers. 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls One of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989. Credit: Berita Harian The Red Lions made their dramatic NDP debut, parachuting into hearts and headlines. It was also the first time fireworks were set off in the day – a blazing show of confidence, colour, and coordination. 1991: The Birth of the Funpack More than 70,000 goodie bags were distributed to participants and spectators at the National Day Parade on 9 August 1991. Credit: The Straits Times NDP got a new tradition: the humble funpack. A uniquely Singaporean souvenir stuffed with snacks, drinks, flags, and the occasional whistle, it became both a source of pride and parody in years to come. 1997: Parade Gets Schooled The National Education (NE) Show was launched, inviting Primary 5 students to attend preview parades. It was a policy masterstroke – part civics lesson, part spectacle – that introduced a new generation to patriotism, mass choreography, and the thrill of fireworks. 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born Dick Lee’s “Home,” sung by Kit Chan, premiered – and a modern classic was born. In a city obsessed with constant change, Home struck a rare emotional chord. It’s still sung, still cried to. 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash A parade-goer and his family drinking the newly-released NEWater at the National Stadium. Credit: Berita Harian Singapore’s water ambitions took centre stage in 2002. That year, NEWater – high-grade reclaimed water – was introduced to the public during NDP, handed out in bottles as both proof of innovation and a nudge towards national self-reliance. 2007: Enter The Float It was a wet, wild, wonderful evening for more than 100,000 people who ringed the Marina Bay waterfront to usher in Singapore’s 42nd birthday. Credit: The Straits Times The Marina Bay floating platform hosted NDP for the first time – a marvel of engineering and a stopgap that lasted far longer than expected. Against the city skyline, it gave NDP a fresh, photogenic backdrop and redefined what a parade could look like. 2010: Back to the Padang The parade returned to the Padang for Singapore’s 45th National Day Parade. Credit: The Straits Times A return to roots. In 2010, the parade was staged once more at the Padang, offering a sense of nostalgia amid a rapidly modernising downtown – a poignant loop between past and present. 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts A huge Singapore flag formed by 13,000 people from Young NTUC at the Padang on 9 August 2011. Credit: The Straits Times This year’s parade was held against a fully completed Marina Bay skyline – a glossy symbol of Singapore’s urban ambition. It was also the first to feature a female regimental sergeant major: Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, breaking ground in boots. 2015: SG50 The SG50 fireworks were the biggest and boldest at the time, featuring a grand spectacle with never-before-seen pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings. Credit: The Straits Times To mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, the National Day Parade returned to the Padang with added fanfare – including the return of the mobile column after a five-year hiatus, featuring a convoy of 177 war vehicles rumbling past the crowds, as well as the grandest NDP fireworks display to date. In a gesture befitting the nation’s golden jubilee, the traditional funpack was expanded beyond parade attendees to reach every Singaporean and Permanent Resident household – about 1.2 million in total – turning the celebration into a truly nationwide affair. 2016: First at the Sports Hub The dome roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016. Credit: The Straits Times The National Day Parade made its debut at the newly built National Stadium – part of the Sports Hub – offering a modern, sleek, and air-conditioned setting. That year, the celebrations took on even more significance as swimmer Joseph Schooling returned from Rio with Singapore’s first Olympic gold. Just days after his historic win, he received a hero’s welcome and made a key appearance at the parade – a moment that doubled as both personal triumph and national pride writ large. 2017: The Meme Parade During the parade’s finale, a pupil from Henry Park Primary School famously flipped off the camera – a moment that instantly went viral. Clearly, when the bird flew that year, Singaporeans just couldn’t look away. 2020: The COVID Edition NDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020. Credit: The Straits Times In response to the pandemic, the National Day Parade was scaled down and livestreamed, with around 150 spectators and 300 participants. Since its inception in 1966, the parade has never been cancelled – not even during the 1968 downpour or the 2003 SARS outbreak. Masked performers and socially distanced celebrations reflected Singapore’s adaptability. Despite the challenges, every household received a funpack, underscoring the nation’s enduring spirit. 2022: Viral Feels The 2022 National Day Parade was marked by moments that captured both heartfelt patriotism and lighthearted viral fun, reflecting the parade’s unique ability to unite Singaporeans in diverse ways. The cameras caught a heartfelt moment when Mr Azuan Tan was seen tearing up during the national anthem – a clip that quickly went viral, inspiring both praise and memes online. Credit: The Straits Times The parade also saw a scare when Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng, a Red Lions parachutist, took a hard landing and was stretchered off. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen later confirmed Heng was stable and receiving medical care. Meanwhile, TikTok star Nicole Liel brought levity to the evening when host Rishi Budhrani asked what she was grateful for. Her cheeky shoutout to gaining a HDB BTO queue number and, also, Ya Kun Kaya Toast made the nation laugh – and even earned her 57 cups of coffee and tea from the popular café. 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah Credit: Berita Harian Former President Halimah Yacob participated in her final NDP selfie – wefie, to be accurate – as the nation bid farewell to its first female head of state. 2024: Stand-In for Singapore For the second year, the National Day Parade stand-in for President Tharman has gone viral for his good looks. A TikTok clip of the young man – shortly after revealed to be Captain Lam Hong Xiang of the RSAF – waving to the crowd at the Padang has racked up over 330,000 views, sparking curiosity about his identity. The RSAF officially introduced Lam via a viral video, revealing that he volunteered for the role and coordinated closely with parade participants to advise on timings and protocol. Share this article
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[POV](https://www.herworld.com/pov)[INDEPENDENCE](https://www.herworld.com/independence)[WELLNESS](https://www.herworld.com/wellness)[LIFE](https://www.herworld.com/life)[STYLE](https://www.herworld.com/style)[SHOP](https://www.herworld.com/shopping)[EVENTS](https://www.herworld.com/events) [Subscribe](https://subscribe.sph.com.sg/package/subscribe-her-world-singapore/) [Life](https://www.herworld.com/life) # 20 defining moments in National Day Parade history As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, we revisit key National Day Parade highlights that shaped the nation’s story By Elise Wong - 8 Aug 2025 ![pixndp12/ST20250712\_202503600358/Ng Sor Luan/NDP 2025 National Education Show 3.](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/5776d90da99deeeb0c2faf54a92bb51913ef8d21c90a2b8f9ed3afae74b7b651?w=1000&q=85) Credit: The Straits Times ##### Share this article Since 1966, the [National Day Parade](https://www.herworld.com/life/ndp-2022-experience?ref=contentblockl) has reflected Singapore’s evolving identity – solemn and spirited, scripted and spontaneous. From the first jets and colour broadcasts to viral memes and heartfelt moments of pride, these are the years that made us go [“Majulah Singapura”](https://www.herworld.com/pov/people/women-love-singapore-her-world-tribe?ref=contentblockl). 20 defining moments in National Day Parade history 1. [1\. 1966: The First Parade](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1966-the-first-parade) 2. [2\. 1970: Singapore Takes Flight](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1970-singapore-takes-flight) 3. [3\. 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1974-ndp-goes-technicolour) 4. [4\. 1976: Hello, National Stadium](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1976-hello-national-stadium) 5. [5\. 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1988-swing-singapore-and-its-chaos) 6. [6\. 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1989-fireworks-and-freefalls) 7. [7\. 1991: The Birth of the Funpack](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1991-the-birth-of-the-funpack) 8. [8\. 1997: Parade Gets Schooled](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1997-parade-gets-schooled) 9. [9\. 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1998-a-home-is-born) 10. [10\. 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2002-newater-makes-a-splash) 11. [11\. 2007: Enter The Float](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2007-enter-the-float) 12. [12\. 2010: Back to the Padang](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2010-back-to-the-padang) 13. [13\. 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2011-new-skylines-new-firsts) 14. [14\. 2015: SG50](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2015-sg50) 15. [15\. 2016: First at the Sports Hub](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2016-first-at-the-sports-hub) 16. [16\. 2017: The Meme Parade](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2017-the-meme-parade) 17. [17\. 2020: The COVID Edition](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2020-the-covid-edition) 18. [18\. 2022: Viral Feels](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2022-viral-feels) 19. [19\. 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2023-former-president-halimah-s-last-hurrah) 20. [20\. 2024: Stand-In for Singapore](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2024-stand-in-for-singapore) ## 1966: The First Parade ![ZB2013 (ArchivePix) / 09Aug1966 - ¹úÇìÈÕ´óÓÎÐÐ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/d0d9bc64dc678e368bcdb904076d6b5dcdbcdcb7e8acb10fa864ce4e73a612d6?w=660&q=85) Singapore’s first National Day Parade in 1966 started at 9am at the Padang. Credit: SPH Did you know the National Day Parade began as a morning celebration? A year after independence, Singapore held its very first National Day Parade at the Padang on 9 August 1966. There were no tanks or jets – just 23,000 participants from uniformed groups, schools and unions marching past a newly sovereign nation’s founding leaders. ## 1970: Singapore Takes Flight ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/e69e062ebc368ab28fa40ca9c88ca4d33215bc7a4dc16df755e45bb0363db2ae?w=660&q=85) Singapore’s own jet-age pilots made their debut at the fifth National Day parade on 9 August 1970. Credit: The Straits Times Four years on, the roar of jet engines filled the skies. For the first time, Republic of Singapore Air Force jets made a flypast of the state flag – now an iconic fixture of NDP. It was a symbol of military progress, but also one of aspiration: Singapore could soar. ## 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a9GJLZug6lE/hqdefault.jpg) Play Singaporeans could now see their country’s big day in full colour. The 1974 parade was the first to be broadcast on colour television – a milestone in national broadcasting and a vivid upgrade to a growing spectacle. ## 1976: Hello, National Stadium ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/31ae8ecfd5119d6d9e4da523ad3a785f46e2abebe4d1789ec7ae715bb120e26c?w=660&q=85) Bird’s eye view of the contingents and spectators at the National Day Parade at National Stadium on 9 August 1976, Credit: SPH The National Stadium hosted the parade for the first time – a venue that would go on to play a key role in shaping Singapore’s sporting and patriotic culture. Though 1976 wasn’t the birthplace of the now-iconic Kallang Wave – the rhythmic ripple of raised and lowered arms – its presence at parades held at the stadium in Kallang helped cement the wave’s place in national culture. Over the years, the stadium also resonated with the thunderous Kallang Roar, welcomed figures like Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson, and became a symbolic site for many of Singapore’s landmark moments. ## 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/14b0200fd7f4a8e5f33ac2058f2b313112bf8fc9db0d53c0f84c265023c3f86f?w=660&q=85) Swing Singapore at Orchard Road in 1988. Credit: The Straits Times What was meant to be a post-parade party became a near-stampede. “Swing Singapore” drew 100,000 to Orchard Road – so overwhelming that it had to be shut down mid-event. Then-PM Lee Kuan Yew called it a mistake – and, so, a make-up party was successfully planned in just 17 days. It drew a record 250,000 revellers. ## 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls ![One of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989. ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/7664cd35d7aa281344125e2e86c0710aaf83d34fdb3c8f164d4fc4094fe7079d?w=660&q=85) One of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989. Credit: Berita Harian The Red Lions made their dramatic NDP debut, parachuting into hearts and headlines. It was also the first time fireworks were set off in the day – a blazing show of confidence, colour, and coordination. ## 1991: The Birth of the Funpack ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/ea1110b270e51ee7f711dc7a99cc03798f0613afdd390516b10bc674a0c29424?w=660&q=85) More than 70,000 goodie bags were distributed to participants and spectators at the National Day Parade on 9 August 1991. Credit: The Straits Times NDP got a new tradition: the humble funpack. A uniquely Singaporean souvenir stuffed with snacks, drinks, flags, and the occasional whistle, it became both a source of pride and parody in years to come. ## 1997: Parade Gets Schooled ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8ZHdd8i4KxY/hqdefault.jpg) Play The National Education (NE) Show was launched, inviting Primary 5 students to attend preview parades. It was a policy masterstroke – part civics lesson, part spectacle – that introduced a new generation to patriotism, mass choreography, and the thrill of fireworks. ## 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-u3GcGDHiB8/hqdefault.jpg) Play Dick Lee’s “Home,” sung by Kit Chan, premiered – and a modern classic was born. In a city obsessed with constant change, Home struck a rare emotional chord. It’s still sung, still cried to. ## 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/27e10093442acdf3207e9dd133c0334e7444d3a89e1c7d4a235fd64c0286b494?w=660&q=85) A parade-goer and his family drinking the newly-released NEWater at the National Stadium. Credit: Berita Harian Singapore’s water ambitions took centre stage in 2002. That year, NEWater – high-grade reclaimed water – was introduced to the public during NDP, handed out in bottles as both proof of innovation and a nudge towards national self-reliance. ## 2007: Enter The Float ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/c7b0d6b6d829bcd1ac61b6292dd92705162ea6c1862538e3a800b9f6db52589f?w=660&q=85) It was a wet, wild, wonderful evening for more than 100,000 people who ringed the Marina Bay waterfront to usher in Singapore’s 42nd birthday. Credit: The Straits Times The Marina Bay floating platform hosted NDP for the first time – a marvel of engineering and a stopgap that lasted far longer than expected. Against the city skyline, it gave NDP a fresh, photogenic backdrop and redefined what a parade could look like. ## 2010: Back to the Padang ![ST09082010-171256 Caroline Chia/ National Day Parade 2010 at the Padang. ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/c57d363e7ae9c3a79eed8ba521d2fdc7e34b543b2a171481f9e15abbae1e7647?w=660&q=85) The parade returned to the Padang for Singapore’s 45th National Day Parade. Credit: The Straits Times A return to roots. In 2010, the parade was staged once more at the Padang, offering a sense of nostalgia amid a rapidly modernising downtown – a poignant loop between past and present. ## 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/d278158dff604e973479e23d8004046cb62926320d60c0c57c0f9f860a8dc079?w=660&q=85) A huge Singapore flag formed by 13,000 people from Young NTUC at the Padang on 9 August 2011. Credit: The Straits Times This year’s parade was held against a fully completed Marina Bay skyline – a glossy symbol of Singapore’s urban ambition. It was also the first to feature a female regimental sergeant major: Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, breaking ground in boots. ## 2015: SG50 ![The fireworks display setting off at the Padang, from the rooftops of buildings and barges on water, at the National Day Parade (NDP) on 9 August 2015. The fireworks were the biggest and boldest to date, featuring a grand spectacle with pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings. The display included never-before-seen segments such as a rainbow arc and a shell display specially designed for the celebrations.](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/cf30d4dc5d3c067ee13347a81c3327dee4392e5fbf2c4c45278efe5ec2579d4e?w=660&q=85) The SG50 fireworks were the biggest and boldest at the time, featuring a grand spectacle with never-before-seen pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings. Credit: The Straits Times To mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, the National Day Parade returned to the Padang with added fanfare – including the return of the mobile column after a five-year hiatus, featuring a convoy of 177 war vehicles rumbling past the crowds, as well as the grandest NDP fireworks display to date. In a gesture befitting the nation’s golden jubilee, the traditional funpack was expanded beyond parade attendees to reach every Singaporean and Permanent Resident household – about 1.2 million in total – turning the celebration into a truly nationwide affair. ## 2016: First at the Sports Hub ![The doom roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016. \[NDP 2016 \] ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/0b11e69d2cddc859f7ff1976074f92fab5f71bd650acf48296c996fcf8af2340?w=660&q=85) The dome roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016. Credit: The Straits Times The National Day Parade made its debut at the newly built National Stadium – part of the Sports Hub – offering a modern, sleek, and air-conditioned setting. That year, the celebrations took on even more significance as swimmer Joseph Schooling returned from Rio with Singapore’s first Olympic gold. Just days after his historic win, he received a hero’s welcome and made a key appearance at the parade – a moment that doubled as both personal triumph and national pride writ large. ## 2017: The Meme Parade During the parade’s finale, a pupil from Henry Park Primary School famously flipped off the camera – a moment that instantly went viral. Clearly, when the bird flew that year, Singaporeans just couldn’t look away. ## 2020: The COVID Edition ![NDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020.](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/83e490238a1455140c760f6104e5c45fdff447f4ea10fa6851f6862446855898?w=660&q=85) NDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020. Credit: The Straits Times In response to the pandemic, the National Day Parade was scaled down and livestreamed, with around 150 spectators and 300 participants. Since its inception in 1966, the parade has never been cancelled – not even during the 1968 downpour or the 2003 SARS outbreak. Masked performers and socially distanced celebrations reflected Singapore’s adaptability. Despite the challenges, every household received a funpack, underscoring the nation’s enduring spirit. ## 2022: Viral Feels ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NUyw_A0cuIQ/hqdefault.jpg) Play The 2022 National Day Parade was marked by moments that captured both heartfelt patriotism and lighthearted viral fun, reflecting the parade’s unique ability to unite Singaporeans in diverse ways. The cameras caught a heartfelt moment when Mr Azuan Tan was seen tearing up during the national anthem – a clip that quickly went viral, inspiring both praise and memes online. ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/c003a78c7de1ecdbc7e24c6d0e94a53028547f7cb6447055259def4c41c02d44?w=660&q=85) Credit: The Straits Times The parade also saw a scare when Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng, a Red Lions parachutist, took a hard landing and was stretchered off. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen later confirmed Heng was stable and receiving medical care. Meanwhile, TikTok star Nicole Liel brought levity to the evening when host Rishi Budhrani asked what she was grateful for. Her cheeky shoutout to gaining a HDB BTO queue number and, also, Ya Kun Kaya Toast made the nation laugh – and even earned her 57 cups of coffee and tea from the popular café. ## 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/d91707d08cb2395bb7b188b189a1939070759d394989977a7ea2ace97b9cc654?w=660&q=85) Credit: Berita Harian Former President Halimah Yacob participated in her final NDP selfie – wefie, to be accurate – as the nation bid farewell to its first female head of state. ## 2024: Stand-In for Singapore For the second year, the National Day Parade stand-in for President Tharman has gone viral for his good looks. A TikTok clip of the young man – shortly after revealed to be Captain Lam Hong Xiang of the RSAF – waving to the crowd at the Padang has racked up over 330,000 views, sparking curiosity about his identity. The RSAF officially introduced Lam via a viral video, revealing that he volunteered for the role and coordinated closely with parade participants to advise on timings and protocol. #### Tags [SG60](https://www.herworld.com/tag/sg60)[National Day](https://www.herworld.com/tag/national-day)[heritage](https://www.herworld.com/tag/heritage-0)[history](https://www.herworld.com/tag/history) ##### Share this article *** [![Her World 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Readable Markdown	Share this article Since 1966, the [National Day Parade](https://www.herworld.com/life/ndp-2022-experience?ref=contentblockl) has reflected Singapore’s evolving identity – solemn and spirited, scripted and spontaneous. From the first jets and colour broadcasts to viral memes and heartfelt moments of pride, these are the years that made us go [“Majulah Singapura”](https://www.herworld.com/pov/people/women-love-singapore-her-world-tribe?ref=contentblockl). 1. [1\. 1966: The First Parade](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1966-the-first-parade) 2. [2\. 1970: Singapore Takes Flight](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1970-singapore-takes-flight) 3. [3\. 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1974-ndp-goes-technicolour) 4. [4\. 1976: Hello, National Stadium](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1976-hello-national-stadium) 5. [5\. 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1988-swing-singapore-and-its-chaos) 6. [6\. 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1989-fireworks-and-freefalls) 7. [7\. 1991: The Birth of the Funpack](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1991-the-birth-of-the-funpack) 8. [8\. 1997: Parade Gets Schooled](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1997-parade-gets-schooled) 9. [9\. 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#1998-a-home-is-born) 10. [10\. 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2002-newater-makes-a-splash) 11. [11\. 2007: Enter The Float](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2007-enter-the-float) 12. [12\. 2010: Back to the Padang](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2010-back-to-the-padang) 13. [13\. 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2011-new-skylines-new-firsts) 14. [14\. 2015: SG50](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2015-sg50) 15. [15\. 2016: First at the Sports Hub](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2016-first-at-the-sports-hub) 16. [16\. 2017: The Meme Parade](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2017-the-meme-parade) 17. [17\. 2020: The COVID Edition](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2020-the-covid-edition) 18. [18\. 2022: Viral Feels](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2022-viral-feels) 19. [19\. 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2023-former-president-halimah-s-last-hurrah) 20. [20\. 2024: Stand-In for Singapore](https://www.herworld.com/life/20-defining-moments-national-day-parade-history#2024-stand-in-for-singapore) ## 1966: The First Parade ![ZB2013 (ArchivePix) / 09Aug1966 - ¹úÇìÈÕ´óÓÎÐÐ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/d0d9bc64dc678e368bcdb904076d6b5dcdbcdcb7e8acb10fa864ce4e73a612d6?w=660&q=85) Singapore’s first National Day Parade in 1966 started at 9am at the Padang. Credit: SPH Did you know the National Day Parade began as a morning celebration? A year after independence, Singapore held its very first National Day Parade at the Padang on 9 August 1966. There were no tanks or jets – just 23,000 participants from uniformed groups, schools and unions marching past a newly sovereign nation’s founding leaders. ## 1970: Singapore Takes Flight ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/e69e062ebc368ab28fa40ca9c88ca4d33215bc7a4dc16df755e45bb0363db2ae?w=660&q=85) Singapore’s own jet-age pilots made their debut at the fifth National Day parade on 9 August 1970. Credit: The Straits Times Four years on, the roar of jet engines filled the skies. For the first time, Republic of Singapore Air Force jets made a flypast of the state flag – now an iconic fixture of NDP. It was a symbol of military progress, but also one of aspiration: Singapore could soar. ## 1974: NDP Goes Technicolour ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a9GJLZug6lE/hqdefault.jpg) Singaporeans could now see their country’s big day in full colour. The 1974 parade was the first to be broadcast on colour television – a milestone in national broadcasting and a vivid upgrade to a growing spectacle. ## 1976: Hello, National Stadium ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/31ae8ecfd5119d6d9e4da523ad3a785f46e2abebe4d1789ec7ae715bb120e26c?w=660&q=85) Bird’s eye view of the contingents and spectators at the National Day Parade at National Stadium on 9 August 1976, Credit: SPH The National Stadium hosted the parade for the first time – a venue that would go on to play a key role in shaping Singapore’s sporting and patriotic culture. Though 1976 wasn’t the birthplace of the now-iconic Kallang Wave – the rhythmic ripple of raised and lowered arms – its presence at parades held at the stadium in Kallang helped cement the wave’s place in national culture. Over the years, the stadium also resonated with the thunderous Kallang Roar, welcomed figures like Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson, and became a symbolic site for many of Singapore’s landmark moments. ## 1988: Swing Singapore, and Its Chaos ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/14b0200fd7f4a8e5f33ac2058f2b313112bf8fc9db0d53c0f84c265023c3f86f?w=660&q=85) Swing Singapore at Orchard Road in 1988. Credit: The Straits Times What was meant to be a post-parade party became a near-stampede. “Swing Singapore” drew 100,000 to Orchard Road – so overwhelming that it had to be shut down mid-event. Then-PM Lee Kuan Yew called it a mistake – and, so, a make-up party was successfully planned in just 17 days. It drew a record 250,000 revellers. ## 1989: Fireworks and Freefalls ![One of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989. ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/7664cd35d7aa281344125e2e86c0710aaf83d34fdb3c8f164d4fc4094fe7079d?w=660&q=85) One of the 24 parachutists from the School of Commando Training landing during the free-fall event of the National Day Parade at the National Stadium on 9 August 1989. Credit: Berita Harian The Red Lions made their dramatic NDP debut, parachuting into hearts and headlines. It was also the first time fireworks were set off in the day – a blazing show of confidence, colour, and coordination. ## 1991: The Birth of the Funpack ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/ea1110b270e51ee7f711dc7a99cc03798f0613afdd390516b10bc674a0c29424?w=660&q=85) More than 70,000 goodie bags were distributed to participants and spectators at the National Day Parade on 9 August 1991. Credit: The Straits Times NDP got a new tradition: the humble funpack. A uniquely Singaporean souvenir stuffed with snacks, drinks, flags, and the occasional whistle, it became both a source of pride and parody in years to come. ## 1997: Parade Gets Schooled ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8ZHdd8i4KxY/hqdefault.jpg) The National Education (NE) Show was launched, inviting Primary 5 students to attend preview parades. It was a policy masterstroke – part civics lesson, part spectacle – that introduced a new generation to patriotism, mass choreography, and the thrill of fireworks. ## 1998: A ‘Home’ is Born ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-u3GcGDHiB8/hqdefault.jpg) Dick Lee’s “Home,” sung by Kit Chan, premiered – and a modern classic was born. In a city obsessed with constant change, Home struck a rare emotional chord. It’s still sung, still cried to. ## 2002: NEWater Makes a Splash ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/27e10093442acdf3207e9dd133c0334e7444d3a89e1c7d4a235fd64c0286b494?w=660&q=85) A parade-goer and his family drinking the newly-released NEWater at the National Stadium. Credit: Berita Harian Singapore’s water ambitions took centre stage in 2002. That year, NEWater – high-grade reclaimed water – was introduced to the public during NDP, handed out in bottles as both proof of innovation and a nudge towards national self-reliance. ## 2007: Enter The Float ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/c7b0d6b6d829bcd1ac61b6292dd92705162ea6c1862538e3a800b9f6db52589f?w=660&q=85) It was a wet, wild, wonderful evening for more than 100,000 people who ringed the Marina Bay waterfront to usher in Singapore’s 42nd birthday. Credit: The Straits Times The Marina Bay floating platform hosted NDP for the first time – a marvel of engineering and a stopgap that lasted far longer than expected. Against the city skyline, it gave NDP a fresh, photogenic backdrop and redefined what a parade could look like. ## 2010: Back to the Padang ![ST09082010-171256 Caroline Chia/ National Day Parade 2010 at the Padang. ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/c57d363e7ae9c3a79eed8ba521d2fdc7e34b543b2a171481f9e15abbae1e7647?w=660&q=85) The parade returned to the Padang for Singapore’s 45th National Day Parade. Credit: The Straits Times A return to roots. In 2010, the parade was staged once more at the Padang, offering a sense of nostalgia amid a rapidly modernising downtown – a poignant loop between past and present. ## 2011: New Skylines, New Firsts ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/d278158dff604e973479e23d8004046cb62926320d60c0c57c0f9f860a8dc079?w=660&q=85) A huge Singapore flag formed by 13,000 people from Young NTUC at the Padang on 9 August 2011. Credit: The Straits Times This year’s parade was held against a fully completed Marina Bay skyline – a glossy symbol of Singapore’s urban ambition. It was also the first to feature a female regimental sergeant major: Master Warrant Officer Jennifer Tan, breaking ground in boots. ## 2015: SG50 ![The fireworks display setting off at the Padang, from the rooftops of buildings and barges on water, at the National Day Parade (NDP) on 9 August 2015. The fireworks were the biggest and boldest to date, featuring a grand spectacle with pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings. The display included never-before-seen segments such as a rainbow arc and a shell display specially designed for the celebrations.](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/cf30d4dc5d3c067ee13347a81c3327dee4392e5fbf2c4c45278efe5ec2579d4e?w=660&q=85) The SG50 fireworks were the biggest and boldest at the time, featuring a grand spectacle with never-before-seen pyrotechnics fired from two barges at Marina Bay and the rooftops of seven surrounding commercial buildings. Credit: The Straits Times To mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, the National Day Parade returned to the Padang with added fanfare – including the return of the mobile column after a five-year hiatus, featuring a convoy of 177 war vehicles rumbling past the crowds, as well as the grandest NDP fireworks display to date. In a gesture befitting the nation’s golden jubilee, the traditional funpack was expanded beyond parade attendees to reach every Singaporean and Permanent Resident household – about 1.2 million in total – turning the celebration into a truly nationwide affair. ## 2016: First at the Sports Hub ![The doom roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016. \[NDP 2016 \] ](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/0b11e69d2cddc859f7ff1976074f92fab5f71bd650acf48296c996fcf8af2340?w=660&q=85) The dome roof of the National Stadium lighting up with the Singapore flag during a preview of the National Day Parade on 30 July 2016. Credit: The Straits Times The National Day Parade made its debut at the newly built National Stadium – part of the Sports Hub – offering a modern, sleek, and air-conditioned setting. That year, the celebrations took on even more significance as swimmer Joseph Schooling returned from Rio with Singapore’s first Olympic gold. Just days after his historic win, he received a hero’s welcome and made a key appearance at the parade – a moment that doubled as both personal triumph and national pride writ large. ## 2017: The Meme Parade During the parade’s finale, a pupil from Henry Park Primary School famously flipped off the camera – a moment that instantly went viral. Clearly, when the bird flew that year, Singaporeans just couldn’t look away. ## 2020: The COVID Edition ![NDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020.](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/83e490238a1455140c760f6104e5c45fdff447f4ea10fa6851f6862446855898?w=660&q=85) NDP 2020 Parade held at the Padang on 9 August, 2020. Credit: The Straits Times In response to the pandemic, the National Day Parade was scaled down and livestreamed, with around 150 spectators and 300 participants. Since its inception in 1966, the parade has never been cancelled – not even during the 1968 downpour or the 2003 SARS outbreak. Masked performers and socially distanced celebrations reflected Singapore’s adaptability. Despite the challenges, every household received a funpack, underscoring the nation’s enduring spirit. ## 2022: Viral Feels ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NUyw_A0cuIQ/hqdefault.jpg) The 2022 National Day Parade was marked by moments that captured both heartfelt patriotism and lighthearted viral fun, reflecting the parade’s unique ability to unite Singaporeans in diverse ways. The cameras caught a heartfelt moment when Mr Azuan Tan was seen tearing up during the national anthem – a clip that quickly went viral, inspiring both praise and memes online. ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/c003a78c7de1ecdbc7e24c6d0e94a53028547f7cb6447055259def4c41c02d44?w=660&q=85) Credit: The Straits Times The parade also saw a scare when Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng, a Red Lions parachutist, took a hard landing and was stretchered off. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen later confirmed Heng was stable and receiving medical care. Meanwhile, TikTok star Nicole Liel brought levity to the evening when host Rishi Budhrani asked what she was grateful for. Her cheeky shoutout to gaining a HDB BTO queue number and, also, Ya Kun Kaya Toast made the nation laugh – and even earned her 57 cups of coffee and tea from the popular café. ## 2023: Former President Halimah’s Last Hurrah ![](https://cassette.sphdigital.com.sg/image/herworld/d91707d08cb2395bb7b188b189a1939070759d394989977a7ea2ace97b9cc654?w=660&q=85) Credit: Berita Harian Former President Halimah Yacob participated in her final NDP selfie – wefie, to be accurate – as the nation bid farewell to its first female head of state. ## 2024: Stand-In for Singapore For the second year, the National Day Parade stand-in for President Tharman has gone viral for his good looks. A TikTok clip of the young man – shortly after revealed to be Captain Lam Hong Xiang of the RSAF – waving to the crowd at the Padang has racked up over 330,000 views, sparking curiosity about his identity. The RSAF officially introduced Lam via a viral video, revealing that he volunteered for the role and coordinated closely with parade participants to advise on timings and protocol. Share this article
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