“Turn around, introduce yourselves.” So said the instructor. Wide peals of laughter ensued. The infectious mood on the 6th of April 2008 ensured that one might be forgiven for thinking that this was another one of those early weekday morning exercises. Indeed, it was easy to forget, on watching the committed NDP participants from the People’s Association (PA) rehearse, that this was a late Sunday afternoon, when many of them could have been spending time with friends and family. Somewhere within the montage of shirts from various organisations and the mixing of friends and family, time ceased to be a factor, with everyone engaging the spirit of the event. 

       It was one of the many PA rehearsal sessions since training started in March. Says Mr. Tay Teck Keng, the de-facto leader of the group, who first participated in NDP way back in 1989: “The people here come every Sunday, rain or shine, sacrificing their time all the way from March to the parade itself in August, just to make NDP happen.” With a smile, he exclaims, “that’s the Singapore Spirit for you!” Ms. Jessica Chong, another long-time participant, agrees. “Even after so many years, the feeling is still strong!” she says, laughing. 

       Motivation was surely present in the crowd that day. Sure, the training was tough, and nowhere was this more evident than in the instructor’s powerful one-liner: “You must have the discipline.” Yet their willingness to go the distance was never called into question. Amidst the familiar beat of “1, 2, 3, 4… 5, 6, 7, 8…” and the sounds of the instructor’s voice – “Straighten your hands!” – was energy. Indeed, energy and enthusiasm were the orders of the day. Ms. Rohana, a bubbly participant, professes that her strong interest in the dance movements is what keeps her going year after year. “Everything here is interesting and exciting; it is also easy to make new friends of other races,” she adds. For Ms. Chong, the element of friendship is the deciding factor. “The mixture of old and new is present in NDP – every year, we have a new theme, and that, to me, is a new motivation. In addition, seeing friends, old and new here at the rehearsals make it all the more pleasant.” 

       For Mr. Tay, coordinating everything is equally rewarding. ‘There were instances over the years where some participant from years ago meets me somewhere and goes “Mr. Tay, how are you doing right now?” It just fills me with pride at how far we have come.’ The ability of NDP to unite is surely not lost on this leader of the pack. “NDP is a national event. We do not think of rewards. Just do it!” 

       And for all the effort shown, the participants received a note of thanks from the Chairman EXCO himself. “Thank you for your time. This year, we want to show that we have the Singapore Spirit, and that we are happy to celebrate it!” COL Tung said to loud applause from the floor. 

       What then, in a nutshell, are the hopes and dreams that these enthusiastic people have for Singapore, and what do they feel about the spirit of their country, whose birthday they are celebrating? “To me, pride and togetherness are the big words,” says Ms. Rohana. Ms. Chong has a different yet equally optimistic view. “Peaceful and safe, that’s how I view Singapore to be. The 4 races live in harmony and I enjoy being here. I wish Singapore peace and harmony for the future. All the best Singapore!” After his many remarks on volunteering, Mr. Tay was notably concise. “May the Singapore Spirit continue to shine, without regard to personal gain!” 

       With all that was said and done, music played and one could see the parade segment coming together before one’s eyes. Sure, the civilian-military collaboration was present that evening – the rehearsal was held at Kranji Camp II, and the sight of the PA volunteers rehearsing amidst the backdrop of military bunks and the like suitably reflected this closely knitted relationship. Yet if something rose up from the laughter and dances that session, it was the knowledge that the Singapore Spirit is not some obscure creation destined for the history books; rather, it lives on and thrives in the hearts of the people, diverse yet united.