well since you know about the 2006 NDP i shall show you people more on the past NDP

The year was 1965, and Singapore was suddenly on her own. With no natural resources and an unstable regional situation, the future looked difficult for our small island. Now more than ever, was there a need for Singaporeans to rally around each other, regardless of differences. Singapore was no longer just a city or state, she was a nation.

In 1966, Singapore celebrated her first National Day with a parade at the Padang. 23 000 participants captured the attention of the nation, with energetic performances from military personnel, and other government and private groups. School children also formed a significant part of the parade, emphasizing the importance of the young. Celebrations continued well past the parade with fireworks displays in the evening, cultural shows at community centres and a 40 ft high electronically lit sea dragon making its way around the harbour.

The choice of the pronoun “Our” in the theme is deliberate as it connotes a sense of inclusiveness and ownership. Reiterating these sentiments, the phrase ‘Our Home’ evokes the warmth and unconditional acceptance that comes from a true sense of belonging.

The parade was not merely a celebration but an affirmation of unity as well. It was Singaporeans coming together to reflect on how well they had survived one year of independence together, and a chance for them to look to the future, with the determination to succeed.

Subsequent parades became more and more impressive, with various changes and additions, although the traditional format stayed the same. The SAF joined in the parade after its creation in 1969, emphasizing the need for total defence at every parade, and thrilling audiences with increasingly impressive drills and displays.

Ten years after the first pile in the construction of the National Stadium was driven in, National Day celebrations were moved from the Padang to the Stadium in 1976 to accommodate larger crowds. The higher vantage point allowed for even more impressive and larger scale shows. Since then, the parade has returned to the Padang, every 5 years.

Over the years, National Day Parades have become part of our national psyche, the excitement and buzz it creates is like no other. Many of us remember growing up through various National Day periods, the yearly favourites like the fireworks sewn into the vignettes of our collective memories.

Parades are so popular that in 1998 the Straits Times reported that people were willing to queue for up to 36 hours to get their hands on a pair. Subsequently, the e-ticketing system was implemented to save eager parade goers the inconvenience of acquiring tickets. If you have ever been to a parade, it's easy to understand why they have such a strong appeal. The sheer electricity of being amongst tens of thousands of people gathered together amidst the colour and excitement of the parade , is something that has to be experienced to be understood.