The 11 best moments from the Jubilee National Day celebration
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SIA girls on trishaws during the National Day Parade 2015.
ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
Chew Hui Min
SINGAPORE - The National Day Parade (NDP) 2015 was a rollercoaster ride in the best possible way.
Energetic mass displays were punctuated by emotive performances, and breathtaking aerial acrobatic displays bookended nostalgic interludes in a show that had the audience joining in with fervour and passion.
We round up 11 of the highlights from Sunday's Golden Jubilee celebration:
1. Most patriotic - Proclamation of Independence
At 9am, Singaporeans heard the Proclamation read out by Mr Lee for the first time, as media channels across Singapore played a recording made by him in 2012.
It was a "moment of anguish" for him in 1965, but fifty years on, a moment of national pride for Singaporeans.
2. Most emotional - Tribute to Lee Kuan Yew
His presence was sorely missed as the late founding leader of Singapore, who died on March 23 this year, had attended every Parade since 1966.
Emotions peaked when cameras panned to his empty seat, adorned by a sprig of yellow orchids.
3. Most nostalgic - Policemen in shorts
As the Singapore girl rolled past in trishaws, a Singapore Airlines A380 with a special livery of the national flag zoomed overhead prompting spectators to whip out their cameras and get a shot.
4. Most impressive - Mobile columns
Also impressive were the soldiers and security personnel in full battle gear on the vehicles.
5. Most disappointing - No show for Red Lions
But the no show didn't dampen the spirits of spectators at the stands for long.
6. Most exciting - Aerial fly-pasts
There were three aerial displays this year, one right after the tribute to the late Mr Lee, another one of 20 F-16s flying in a "50" formation, with a "bomb burst" at the end, and a final one showcasing an array of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's assets, including the last F-15.
The in-cockpit views of an F-15 fighter jet doing a vertical climb over the Marina Bay area is the closest most of us will ever get to being in one!
7. Most shiok - Celebrating things Singaporean
Floats of Singapore icons in the People's Association mass display during the National Day Parade on Aug 9, 2015.
ST PHOTO: MELODY ZACCHEUS
Then there were the giant balls that the audience were bouncing around as they sang familiar songs like Munnaeru Vaalibaa and Singapore Town that all Singaporeans have sung in school. Shiok right?
8. The Cutest - LED little ones
Some 500 primary school pupils lit up the Padang with their LED costumes during the National Day Parade on Aug 9, 2015.
ST PHOTO: MELODY ZACCHEUS
But we all knew Singapore pupils are some of the brightest in the world.
9. Most heartwarming - Kit Chan's Home
Kit Chan sings Home at the National Day Parade 2015 Preview on Aug 1.
ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO
Kit ended on a high note with her heartfelt performance, if it truly is her last at an NDP, as she mentioned it might be last week.
10. Most kiasu or patient - The early birds
Mr Sha Nawaz Khan, 35, who works in a bank, and his daughter Shafana Khan, 4. They are among the early birds at the Padang.
ST PHOTO: AUDREY TAN
11. Most spontaneous - The cleanup
Spotless aisles after the National Day Parade.
ST PHOTO: AUDREY TAN
About 200 volunteers from the #keepSGclean movement also picked up trash at different areas in the Marina Bay area. Way to go Singapore!
