SINGAPORE – Get ready for a landmark moment in the National Day Parade (NDP) history! For the very first time, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will feature a guard-of-honour contingent as part of NDP 2025 on August 9, coinciding with Singapore’s monumental 60th anniversary of independence!

This year’s spectacular parade will also celebrate the first full contingent of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), commemorating its impressive 10th anniversary. Colonel Lim Yu Sing, the chairman of the NDP 2025 planning committee, confirmed that the parade will showcase an unprecedented 40 marching contingents—the most since 1990, when 70 participated!

Meticulous choreography is in full swing! With participants training over 14 weekends, the complexities of the increased guard-of-honour contingents represent a significant challenge. Colonel Lim focuses on precise movements including turns, spacing, marching speed, and halts.

Responding to public support, SCDF Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Resilience, Ling Young Ern, stated the SCDF will not just make an appearance this year but will be a continuing feature in future parades. However, this historic inclusion requires SCDF personnel to master the SAR21 rifle, a standard issue for guard-of-honour troops, marking a new chapter in their training.

Leading this year’s parade is Lieutenant-Colonel Firdaus Ghazali, 38, whose lifelong dream was to command such a pivotal event. His journey began back in 2002 when he performed at the NDP as a young student, igniting a passion that drives him today.

The parade will bring together around 2,100 enthusiastic participants, including various guard-of-honour contingents, the SAF colours party, supporting contingents, and even live performances from a choir and band that promise to elevate the celebration to new heights.

Major Lee En Hao, the commander of SCDF’s inaugural guard-of-honour contingent, emphasized that August 9 will be a "historic moment" for the SCDF, forever changing how the force is represented in future parades.

Training is already well underway, with the first combined rehearsal taking place at the iconic Padang in mid-June. The grandeur will culminate in a ceremonial salute with the SCDF contingent firing blanks from their SAR21 rifles during the celebratory feu de joie.

Sergeant 3 Thenmoli Silvadorie, a 28-year-old SCDF paramedic, expressed her excitement about the training. "At first, the rifle felt heavy, but with each session, it becomes part of us. It's all about instilling discipline and accountability!"

NDP 2025 marks the second consecutive year of increased guard-of-honour contingents. Last year, the SAF’s Digital and Intelligence Service made its debut alongside traditional forces and the police, setting a precedent for expanding representation.

The public will get a special preview this year at an uncasing ceremony in Marina Square before the main event. Attendees can enjoy close encounters with the SAF colours, setting the stage for the grand parade.

During the event, a 127-member choir made up of students and local artists will perform near the audience, complemented by a robust 100-piece band. Together, they will honor Singapore's vibrant spirit.

As the National Anthem resounds, participants will form the phrase "Majulah 60" using umbrellas, paying homage to both the parade’s theme and the nation’s 60th birthday.

For those without tickets, excitement won’t be far away! Experience the parade’s energy at Marina Bay, where artillery will create a spectacle, bringing the essence of NDP 2025 within reach!