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SINGAPORE: The Singapore National Day Parade (NDP) in 2021 may be held at The Float @ Marina Bay “if the situation permits,” Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Friday (August 28).
Dr. Ng spoke in a virtual function Friday to the participating organizations, sponsors and key appointment holders of the NDP 2020 organizing committee, in recognition of their support and contributions to this year’s NDP.
“If the situation permits, we will bring NDP back to Float @ Marina Bay. That is the plan: NDP 2021, COVID-19 is under control, we will return to Float,” said Dr. Ng.
“And if it does, it will be the 10th time NDP has been held on the Float. I think it’s a good round number to finish the NDP series for what was supposed to be a temporary floating platform before it is rebuilt on the permanent NS Square “.
NS Square will replace Float @ Marina Bay, which would be redeveloped into a permanent space to commemorate National Service and serve as the main venue for the National Day Parade, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in 2017.
READ: NDP 2020 Night Show Honors Frontline Workers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Ng said that even if the COVID-19 pandemic persists in August 2021, he is confident that NDP 2021 will continue, as will this year’s parade.
“Singaporeans have demonstrated through NDP 2020 that how we celebrate NDP each year is a matter of choice, and we choose to celebrate NDP come rain or shine, virus or no.
“Each year’s NDP celebration is that annual reminder to us and to the world that this little red dot is determined to shine, no matter what difficulties we face,” he said.
SINGAPOREAN WANT TO BE PART OF THE NDP
Even in the midst of difficulties, Singaporeans want to be a part of the parade, Dr. Ng said.
“This is a virtuous trait that we should continue to support and encourage in subsequent NDPs, even as conditions allow us to keep NDPs centralized,” he added.
Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen speaking at a virtual recognition function on August 28, 2020 for the participating organizations, sponsors and key appointment holders of the organizing committee of the 2020 National Day Parade (Photo: MINDEF)
Dr Ng asked, for example, if it was possible to continue to have NDP packages for all households, Chinooks flying around Singapore with the state flag, Red Lion teams parachuting into HDB properties, and fireworks in the skies like standard items at every show.
“I am not making an edict here, but I am just asking subsequent (executive committees) to study what Singaporeans are asking for, what elements can be incorporated into each NDP at a sustainable level and of course, depending on the terrain, I support these activities. “said Dr. Ng.
This year’s parade was held during the pandemic, which began in Singapore in January, about nine months before the event, he noted.
While the first iteration of the parade had included massive crowds and thousands of performers, these dwindled as the number of COVID-19 infections in the country began to rise.
READ: NDP 2020: At the Reduced Padang Parade Frontline and Essential Workers Get Salute
“But as the number of infections increased during January, February and the circuit breaker, I think it became quite clear that we had to get rid of all these plans and instead come up with a relatively COVID-proof way to prepare for and celebrate the NDP. . “said Dr. Ng.
Crowds were unable to gather to watch the parade, nor were mass performances allowed to take place due to COVID-19.
“So if Singaporeans can’t come see the NDP, then we should bring the NDP to Singaporeans,” he said.
This was “the core concept” that led to many good ideas about celebrating the NDP at the heart of this year, Dr. Ng said, adding that the feedback received from many Singaporeans was very positive.
The minister said he was pleased that Singaporeans chose to unite during this year’s NDP to celebrate the “unity, determination and resilience of the country as one people.”
The Red Lions land near Sengkang General Hospital on August 9, 2020 (Photo: Hanidah Amin).
“Whether it’s during decentralized island-wide flag-raising ceremonies, moving columns, Red Lions in the heart, naval navigation, or the F15s and Chinooks in our skies, Singaporeans didn’t hesitate to show their support.
“They waved their flags vigorously and cheered through their masks,” Dr. Ng said.
This year’s NDP was a “fitting tribute” to essential and front-line workers, the defense minister added.
READ: NDP 2020: Healthcare Workers Greeted As National Day Parade Reaches Heart
“(The evening show) provided a glimpse into the countless displays of unity, endurance, and acts of kindness among Singaporeans … These were all timely reminders that this is what we celebrate and stand for: Singaporeans, who care about the country and each other, for Singapore. “
Dr. Ng also thanked all the artists who “put on” a spectacular show at this year’s celebrations despite the difficult conditions imposed by the COVID-19 situation.
“Every artist I know had to undergo two swab tests and I am very happy that everyone was healthy and the show could go on,” he said.
He also thanked the NDP 2020 organizing committee, parade participants, partner agencies, including the Home Team, and sponsors for making NDP 2020 a safe and successful event.
“NDP 2020 encouraged Singaporeans to overcome current difficulties, to move forward with the assurance that we will overcome every challenge by taking care of one another,” said Dr. Ng.
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