WS K88

WS K88
Erich's new place where different things will happen, but still the center of the universe and the navel of the world

Aug 9, 2009

Come Together Singapore

August 9 is the day of Singapore's independence. A celebration of nationhood when Singaporeans come together to rejoice as a nation.
Over 400 000 Singaporeans apply each year online to participate in the draw for the tickets. Almost everyone wants to be part of the celebration which are held in the Marina Bay on the floating platform which is 120 meters long and 83 meters wide, 5% larger than the soccer field at the National stadium. The platform can bear up to 1,070 tonnes, equivalent to the total weight of 9,000 people, 200 tonnes of stage props and three 30-tonne military vehicles. The seating capacity is 27,000 people.

This year's theme, Come Together- Reaching Out, Reaching Up embodied the ‘nation’ experience – the Singapore story - where its unique past, present and future come together.

Different chapters show the founding of Singapore to the modern nation of today.
The excited and lucky crowd who managed to get tickets
Singapore's Red Lions always a crowd pleaser
Precision landing between the stage and the grand stand
The Prime Minister arrives
Different chapters showcasing the Singapore story...

...which was narrated in form of festive songs and dances....
Sang Nila Utama, a prince from Sumatra, set forth to found a new city. On the island of Temasek, he beheld sight of a fantastic beast which his ministers identified as a lion although these animals were not native to the region.

In another chapter a hypothetical terrorist attack was brought to thrilling live....
...as the audience was treated to an impressive display of Singapore’s total defense capability

Various air craft, sea craft and land vehicles converge at the floating platform.
Boats chasing the "terrorists"


and of course finally get hold of them


The Parade was the centerpiece of the celebrations and while the President was inspecting the Guard of Honor...


...Singapore's flag flew past by....
... and the 21- Gun Presidential Salute was conducted on M3G floats..
For the first time it could be seen from the audience gallery.
The next chapter documented the transformation of Singapore from the little known trading port to one of the most globalized and cosmopolitan city-states in the world.
Various musical styles, fashion, trends and dance crazes were demonstrated
A medley of songs from the National Day repertoire was performed by a 600 member choir and over 400 young performers




Every year's highlight, the fireworks, brought the National Day Celebrations to a spectacular ending





Grand Finale of the 2 hour show. Over 1000 people are on the stage now.
27,000 spectators are ready to leave the Gallery and the thousands that watched the show from all around Marina Bay and One Fullerton are trying to get to MRT, Buses or other means of transport. However a well organised chaos!
After 10 years I was very lucky to get an unexpected ticket from the leader of the drummer group. Thanks so much for that!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!!!


If you interested in more photos in a better resolution juts click the picture below and hit the slide show button on the top left of the album. I hope you'll enjoy:

NDP 2009

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