Images from MITA Collection
Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Be Muse Volume 5 Issue 3 - July to Sep 2012
Every 9th of August is celebrated with style in Singapore. The traditional fly-past of Singapore's state flag, exciting parachuting performances by the red lions, and the march past of the parade contingents have become synonymous with our National Day celebrations.
Through this showcase of National Day Parade (NDP) photographs taken by the then Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) Photo Unit, witness how the celebration of our nation's independence have transformed over the years, as seen through the eyes of MICA photographers. The MICA was renamed Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) in 2012.
President Yusof bin Ishak taking the salute from the review stand along the City Hall steps. Behind him were Singapore's first Cabinet Ministers, including then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. (1966).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
The para-troopers, now commonly known as the Red Lions, participated in the NDP for the first time in 1992. Five para-troopers jumped from a helicopter flying 1,200 metres high and landed on a target in the middle of the National Stadium. (1992).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
Spectators filled the buildings and sides of Upper Pickering Street as the different parade contingents marched past. (1966).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
As Singapore celebrated its first National Day, spectators took advantage of a high-rise building in Chinatown to get a better view. (1966).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
Many citizens crowded around as performers dressed in costumes paraded past Hill Street (1975).
Source: Ministry of Information, Culture and the Arts.
Eager spectators crowded Elgin Bridge to witness the parade. Before Singaporeans could watch the NDP on television, most citizens would wait around strategic locations to catch a glimpse of the celebrations. (1966).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
Parade goers, dressed according to the colours of their NDP tickets, joined in the traditional march past of contingents, transforming the Padang into a kaleidoscope of colours. (1993).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
25 F-16 fighter jets roared above the Padang, forming the number ‘25’ to celebrate Singapore’s 25th year of independence. (1990).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
Fly-past of Singapore’s National Flag by helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). (1990).
Source: Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.
