July 31st, 2010
National Day in Singapore is August 9th. Leading up to it are preview days where they rehearse the parades, Military exercises and fireworks. I wouldn’t have known this if it weren’t for the people in the office and someone forwarding me the information around street closures.
After doing a little research on the Internet, I learned that National Day is Singapore’s independence day and will be turning 45 this year. It obtained independence from Britain in 1965. I had no idea the country was so young.
I decided that I was going to hang out at the Marina where the fireworks would be. There was a nice breeze blowing and it wasn’t too hot. People watching was great! High school bands were scurrying through with instruments to get where they were supposed to be for their performance. Tours came through along with groups of families in friends, trying to figure out where the best viewing spot would be for the fireworks. I just enjoyed watching the diversity of the people who live here in the country.
The rehearsal started with skydivers parachuting in – followed by helicopters flying overhead with enormous sized Singapore flags. Later came jets thundering through flying in formation. I could see the Military procession circle the Marina which I had seen earlier in the day when I was in the office. Tanks, missile launchers and military vehicles.
And finally, just after dusk came the fireworks. I wasn’t too far from where they were setting them off and could feel the explosions as they went off and they were spectacular. I wish I could be here on the official day!
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