It was a scorching Thursday afternoon. Most of us would have been sitting in our offices or homes, as far away from the heat as possible. Yet on a parade square at Nee Soon Camp, officers, specialists and men alike stood at attention, as warrant officers strolled the square and inspected the state of the parade.

Yes, this was but one of many rehearsals of the NDP 2008 Guard-of-Honour Contingents. The precision and discipline on display at every National Day Parade stems from countless afternoons such as these, where the unrelenting sun weighs heavy on the minds of those participating in the parade. Indeed, one saw a certain spirit in the eyes of the soldiers. A spirit that has characterised Singapore’s success, through the good years and the bad, and has allowed us to command respect on the international stage. Undoubtedly, this was the spirit of tenacity and determination.

What then, are some of their thoughts on participating in NDP 2008? 2LT Kenny Chng, from the Coastal Command (COSCOM) of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), says that it is “quite an experience”.  “Rewarding too,” 2LT Kenny, a first-time NDP participant, adds. 1SG Samson Lim Chit Wei, also a first-time participant, looks at it as “a contribution to the nation”, one which provides “good exposure” and a “good chance to see NDP behind the scenes”. 1SG Samson, who is from the SAFTI Military Institute, sums it up in a phrase: “An honour and a good opportunity”, he says with a smile.

Looking at the drive and determination of the Guard-of-Honour contingents, one’s mind inevitably travelled to the theme for NDP 2008 – Celebrating the Singapore Spirit. To 2LT Kenny, the Singapore Spirit is the “sense that since Singapore is where we were born, we have an obligation to defend it with our lives.” Words of a committed officer indeed. Equally moving are his feelings about Singapore. “The best place in the world to live in!” he exclaims. 1SG Samson’s reply was subtler. “The Singapore Spirit, to me, involves the idea of home, of family ties, of roots that have grown over the years.” He adds: “Looking at the natural disasters around the world today, I feel fortunate to be living here in Singapore. I am content with all that we have and feel that we should always try to improve!”

Their hopes and dreams for Singapore feature just as prominently. “I hope that Singapore’s voice gets heard on the international stage, and that Singapore makes it big on the international arena”, 2LT Kenny says as he runs back into the sea of hats, berets and well-ironed uniforms. 1SG Samson’s hopes and dreams are more retrospective, yet no less reassuring. “Peace, financial stability and racial harmony. These are the main words for me.”

At the National Day Parade, one sees the hopes and dreams of a nation come forth in many forms. At the NDP 2008 rehearsals that day, the author saw one such form. In the precision drills of the Guard-of-Honour contingents, the values of organisation and discipline flourish. And in these values, one gets a precious glimpse of the Singapore Spirit.