Undoubtedly, the State Flag flypast is a long standing tradition at the National Day Parade. It is truly a proud and splendid sight when the large Singapore Flag hovers over Marina Bay. But what is equally impressive is the tremendous amount of work done behind the scenes.  

The entire process requires the precise coordination between 2 groups – the Ground Flag Party, and the Chinook that hoists the flag. The Ground Flag Party begins work early in the day to prepare the State Flag. It takes almost 2 hours to roll up the Flag, which includes attaching 3 iron ballasts to the bottom of the flag and the securing of the chains that would later be attached to the Chinook. Indeed, it takes teamwork and accuracy to complete this delicate task. 

Finally, the Chinook arrives for the State Flag to be attached to it. As it lifts off with the Flag, the ground Party removes the covering to unveil the State Flag. When the Chinook reaches the ideal speed, the wind spreads out the flag to reveal the straightened out form. This is an extremely tricky process as the speed range is very limited – the pilot has little room for deviations. 

As the Chinook reaches the optimal speed and the State Flag spreads out, the ground crew was filled with applause and cheers. Despite having numerous routine runs, the enthusiasm of the Ground Flag Party never diminished; indeed, every run felt like the first 

Watching the State Flag hover majestically in the air is indeed an awe-inspiring sight. To be a little poetic here, it truly puts the Singapore Spirit in the air.