On 9 August 1966, Singapore marked the first anniversary of its independence with the inaugural National Day Parade held at the Padang. The parade, which involved some 23,000 men, women and children, commenced at 9:00am in the morning upon the arrival of President Yusof Ishak.[1] Some members of the Cabinet and members of Parliament donned uniforms and joined the uniformed contingents that marched through Chinatown.[2] Other highlights of the day included a 90-minute fireworks display at Fort Canning and a giant illuminated sea dragon float that glided along the nearby waterfront.[3] Aside from the main parade, cultural performances, dinners, speeches and other events were held at community and state levels throughout the week to celebrate the occasion.[4]
References
1. Ministers and MPs seen in uniform by the public for the first time. (1966, August 10). The Straits Times, p. 6. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
2. The Straits Times, 10 Aug, 1966, p. 6.
3. Riot of colour in the night sky. (1966, August 10). The Straits Times, p. 4. Retrieved from NewspaperSG..
4. 500,000 at schools to launch N-Day joy. (1966, August 8). The Straits Times, p. 4; National Day honours for 200 in S'pore. (1966, August 9). The Straits Times, p. 1. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
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The information in this article is valid as at 2010 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.