NDP 08 TO SHOWCASE THE SINGAPORE SPIRIT

This year's National Day Parade (NDP) promises to be more inclusive, more innovative, and more exciting than ever before.

Colonel (COL) Tung Yui Fai, Chairman of the NDP 08 Executive Committee, said this at a media briefing held on 14 May, in a function room below the grand stand of the floating platform at Marina Bay.

This was the same platform that hosted last year's NDP - the first ever away from the Padang or the National Stadium.

COL Tung's vision for bedazzlement this year is to focus on what is "on the inside". Sharing his inspiration, he explained: "NDP 07 was the transformation of a wild idea that few thought was possible. It's not just about having a grand vision, but it's built and empowered by the spirit of the people. We are inspired by the pioneering spirit of trying to achieve seemingly unreachable goals. We are inspired by the Singapore Spirit."

And from the core of such heartfelt emotion sprang forth this year's theme: Celebrating the Singapore Spirit. It is the Singapore Spirit that has stitched the country's social fabric, united its people in adversity, and will continue to strengthen cohesiveness and nurture creativity.

NDP 2008 is set to deliver a visually stunning, emotionally engaging and uniquely Singaporean experience.

This year's parade will feature several new highlights; chief among them is the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) aerobatic flying team, the Black Knights.

Sharing his eager anticipation of the Black Knights' performance, COL Tung said their six-minute aerial display over the Central Business District and flanked by the city skyline would be exciting and involve no small amount of difficulty. But it was a challenge he was certain the F-16 fighter pilots would be able to meet.

In an attempt to integrate the 27,000 spectators in the celebration, there will be an innovative three-tiered stage on the floating platform that will enhance the performance area and allow spectators to feel more in the thick of action.

There will also be a whole host of national day festivities this year. Prior to 9 Aug, members of the public can look forward to a six-week long series of events, including the Singapore Garden Festival, Flag@Padang (formation of largest human flag of Singapore), Singapore Fireworks Celebrations, and many other activities aimed at spreading the celebratory spirit of the event.