subject: National Day In Singapore - Celebrating Independence [print this page] Having long been considered an iconic cosmopolitan nation and the poster boy for globalization; Singapore erupts in a spontaneous frenzy of fierce national pride on August 9th as it celebrates National Day. The first Singapore National Day was celebrated in 1966 after gaining its independence from Malaysia. It was a small but elegant affair with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and other government officials organizing it on the steps of City Hall.
Today the National Day parade has grown into a grand celebration and a demonstration of Singapores prowess as an economic power to be reckoned with in the region. In the past the parade was held at the historic Padang where the declaration of independence was signed, but since 2009 the event has been moved to the Marina Bay waterfront to accommodate more spectators.
Each year a special theme is chosen for the National Day, for example in 2009 the theme was Come together- Reaching out, Reaching up which drew its inspiration from the countrys national pledge which embraces ethnic diversity. The 2010 National Day celebrations bear special significance as it falls on the 45th anniversary of independence. The theme Live Our Dreams, Fly Our Flag expresses the desire of Singaporeans to work together and usher in a new era of prosperity.
The tickets for the event which will be held on August 09 at the Padang have already been released. Among the highlights of this years parade will be the fly-past conducted by the Singapore Air force featuring more than 30 aircraft and helicopters. A display by the Red Lions Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team and the first ever Presidential Drive Past would also be some of the highly awaited events.
Spectators will also be treated to a 360 degree pyrotechnics display with fireworks being set off from nine different locations surrounding the Padang. . A luxury hotel Singapore can easily be found close to the Padang area as it located in the heart of the business and commercial district. Visitors staying at a Singapore hotel close to the Padang such as the Raffles Hotel, Singapore can witness this dazzling fireworks display, they can also participate in many affiliated National Day events worked off all over Singapore.
