Like I mentioned in my F1 Singapore Grand Prix post, I have tons of backlog and here's another one. I felt the need to post it because National Day Parade (NDP) 2012 is just around the corner.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
Hubby secured 4 tickets for the actual day of NDP 2009 via electronic ticket balloting system where only Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are eligible to apply.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
We were told that we were very lucky (it's our first time to experience NDP as Permanent Residents) as there are thousands of locals and permanent residents who have been trying to apply for NDP preview and actual day tickets via electronic ballot system for many consecutive years but never had the luck we had. We've never felt so blessed and at home. GOD is magnanimous.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
The crowd was overwhelming. While waiting for the show to start, we opened our goodie bags, put on our NDP face tattoos and took out the rest of the NDP paraphernalia for photo opp.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
We waived our flags along with the rest of the enthusiastic spectators.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
If hubby didn't secure tickets, we would be one of those people surrounding the Merlion Park. It is quite far from the floating platform so you don't get witness the parade up close like we did.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
Sunset crazy that I was, I even managed to catch the sunset along with the crowd and the Esplanade. Wonder why they were looking up?
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
They are in awe as the members of the SAF Parachute Team descends from the sky.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
Look! One of them is flying with a bird! Amazing!
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
The crowd waived their flags as the team lands on the floating platform. If you notice, the background is the Helix Bridge under construction.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
Caught the arrival of the Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on the screen,
(The Marina Bay Sands under construction is on the background)
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
followed by his son, Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore's Prime Minister.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
The parade officially started with performers role playing the discovery of the Lion City on the center stage.
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| NDP 2009 Total Defense Display | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
The readiness of Singapore in times of emergency was also portrayed. Be it in land,
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
water,
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
and air, Singapore is always prepared.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
A couple of minutes later, President SR Nathan arrived. (He is now replaced by the newly elected President Dr Tony Tan.)
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
Four helicopters carried the Singapore's national flag.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
It was followed by an airshow which I almost failed to capture with my trusted old sony cybershot. They are flying pretty fast!
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
Singapore is indeed a nation strong and free. We are truly blessed to have Singapore as our second home.
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| NDP 2009 | ©SweetMemoirs.Com |
The show ended with spectacular fireworks display.
Hubby failed to secure tickets in 2010, 2011 and this year but we are grateful to have been welcomed with a great NDP show on our first annivesary as Singapore permanent residents.
THANK YOU AND ADVANCE HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SINGAPORE!
Marvelous, colorful captures of a great event!! I always enjoy the photos of you and your family! Delightful! Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend, Cher! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteoh wow, what a grand celebration, lucky you all indeed for being able to witness the celebration that close.
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