National Day 2010

On August 9, Singapore celebrated 45 years as an independent nation. Since we were here last year, we were prepared for the weeks of rehearsals before the official celebration. Beginning in June, we saw military helicopters flying overhead carrying an enormous Singapore flag and heard the fighter jets practicing for the parade fly-over. My personal favorite was being treated to brief fireworks shows every Saturday night. They actually rehearse fireworks here.

This year, the National Day Parade changed sites to the Padang, a grassy area located next to Raffles City Tower. They constructed a temporary stadium in the field and only Singaporean citizens and permanent residents could enter the ticket lottery for seats. Since the Accenture office is on the 33rd floor of the tower, we took the girls up there to watch the show. Every 5 years Singapore showcases its military in the parade, and it reminded me of footage from Communist parades, except with an enthusiastic and light-hearted tone. We watched a procession of every type of vehicle in Singapore's "National Defence," from armored tanks to firetrucks and ambulances. And, of course, we saw the fighter jets and flag-bearing helicopter. For such a small island, Singapore possesses some serious weapons.

Following the military parade, music and dance performances at the stadium focused on the symbols of the Singapore flag. Thanks to that program, I learned the crescent moon stands for a rising young nation and the five stars on the flag represent justice, equality, peace, progress and democracy. The celebration culminated with the anticipated fireworks display over Marina Bay. The rehearsals paid off because the fireworks were incredible. They actually had fireworks that mimicked the flag -- a red crescent moon with 5 stars surrounding it in the night sky.

View of the Stadium and Parade Route

Watching this tiny country celebrating its birthday in such colorful fashion with the sky scrapers and brand new casino as the backdrop provided an impressive display of national pride. Singapore puts a great deal of effort into observing its independence and showcasing its progress over the last 45 years. Singaporeans have every reason to be proud of their country and its accomplishments.