National Parade on Marina Bay

This year National Parade was the first time on the gigantic floating platform on Marina Bay. We were longing for watching it. At first, when we tried to get a hotel room at Ritz Carlton, but when were told the only the only available ones were the top level suites cost 2000 dollars, we were just about to forget about it. A few weeks before the National day, one of our relatives told us good news that he managed to books a few rooms, we were both grateful and overjoyed.

The National Day finally came. Children could not wait to go to hotel. By the time we checked into the room, wow, we found the National Parade Platform was just right under our window. Not only had we the clear vision of parade itself, we also had a splendid bird eyed view of whole Marina Bay. In afternoon, there were several rehearsals, these soldiers really worked very hard. They had been having rehearsals many times over several weekends.

We brought MacDonald’s back to our hotel. The whole parade was gorgeous and splendid. The new water features, like Jellyfish balloons, and speed boats, were exciting. Children especially liked the red lion’s performances. They were so outstanding. They did twice perfect landing this year. The flight jets and helicopters were awesome. Unlike previous year, the President did not leave earlier but stayed for the whole show. Of course, the most wonderful sight was the fireworks. Those were really breath- taking.

The National Parade has become a yearly theme and expectation for Singapore celebration its National Day. It has inflamed people’s patriotic emotions which makes one to be proud of being a part of country.

“We the citizens of Singapore;
Pledge ourselves as one united people;
Pledge ourselves as one united people;
Regardless of race, language or religion;
Regardless of race, language or religion;
To build a democratic society;
Based on justice and equality;
So as to achieve happiness;
Prosperity and progress for our nation”

All good things have an end. My children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The one day stay at Ritz Carlton also made them too happy to leave.

Noah asked me “Mummy, can we stay here forever”. I replied “No”
“But why?” he asked
“Because…..”
Well, that was certainly a wide spectrum question, too wide to answer right away. He, however, did not really wait for my answer, next moment, he had gone running with his sibling into the pools, laughing and shouting.