President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joining in a group photograph with the ceremonial guard of the Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command at the Istana yesterday. They were attending an early National Day observance ceremony. Staff from the President's Office and the Prime Minister's Office were there, dressed mostly in white or shades of red. At the ceremony, they recited the pledge, sang popular National Day theme songs and waved small national flags. Dr Tan said in a Facebook post that the event was a good opportunity to reflect on Singapore's achievements in the last 50 years and the challenges facing the country. "I also took the opportunity to thank the staff for their dedication and commitment in serving Singapore," he added. Over the weekend, Singaporeans will be celebrating the nation's 50th year of independence, he noted. "My wife and I wish all Singaporeans an enjoyable and meaningful Jubilee Weekend," said Dr Tan.