NDP 2008 [=

The National Day Parade itself may seem to be just another event on TV for some. The usual cannons signalling the start of the parade, the parade commander shouting orders for the respective contingents to assemble, men jumping off helicopters parachuting down to the field leaving spirals of smoke which decorates the sky, two huge helicopters working in tandem carrying our national flag for the anthem, followed by our Air Force's F16s screaming through the evening sky leaving everyone rooted to the ground and looking up into the sky hoping to catch a glimpse of the airplanes and so on. It may seem similar every year, but in fact it is not. 

To me, the NDP is a special event for a special day which is our National Day. Even though it is held once a year, the training and rehearsals for the next NDP usually begin as soon as it ends. Perfection is the key. With practice, perfection slowly reveals. Why must we aim for perfection? Well, to put up an uncommitted performance in front of the whole nation, it will make us look like fools don't it? Sweat and tears have been shed throughout the weeks we spent practicing our formations. Ensuring our positions being etched into our memory, making sure that we get the moves right, moving to the beat. Even though it took us some time to familiarise ourselves with the moves and positions, everything worked out well and we put up a very good performance which is well rewarded with the thousands applauding us. 

At the end of the day, we are the ones who benefit the most. Such memorable experiences cannot be gained elsewhere. Even though it is a one-off thing for most of us, I have no doubts that this NDP experience we had together will forever be at the back of our minds. For me, more often than not, I recall the times we had after rehearsals sitting under the tents, and eating our packed dinner etc. Those were the times where friendships were forged and strengthened. Such are some things that I will remember when "NDP" comes to mind. 

P.S. I seriously do want to catch the recorded pre-parade video, if there is that is. 

forever remembering the moments,

Najiy