The Enduring Traditions of the National Day Parade

-by Alan Chow

 

The Feu-de-joie
The Feu-de-joie, also known as fire of joy in French, is a long standing tradition of the National Day Parade. Its origin dates back to the 15th century, when the Feu-de-joie served as a demonstration of a new weapon’s effectiveness. Today, the Feu-de-joie at our National Day Parade serves as a proud tribute to the joyous occasion of celebrating our nation’s birthday. Carried out by our prestigious Guard-of-Honour contingents, this ceremonial gun salute consists of 3 shots fired in succession by all contingents.

 

 

The Presidential Lance Guards
In medieval times, the most elite knights and warriors would be given the honour of escorting and protecting the Monarch of the country. These special guards would be armed with a long wooden shaft with a pointed metal head called the lance, a typical weapon used among the cavalry. In modern times, this tradition has been retained to perform a more ceremonial role. Formed on 3rd December 1959, the Presidential Lance Guards are specially hand-picked men of the Singapore Armour Formation. These men of extraordinary discipline and fitness will carry the traditional lance and undertake the role of presenting an honourable welcome to the arrival and departure of the President of Singapore during the National Day Parade.

 

 

 

 

 

The Presidential Gun Salute
The making of noise has from the earliest times been used to express joy or honor. The shouts or cheers of the crowds, disciplined bodies such as military forces, flourishes of trumpets and the setting off of fireworks are well-known ways of expressing these sentiments. The custom of expressing noise produced by the Artillery gun is believed to have origins as early as the 14th century. Since 1940, the 25 pounder has been used to continue this tradition. This lightweight gun weighing at 1800 kg has traditionally been used as a saluting weapon for ceremonial purposes to enhance the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion. This is an act of offering one’s weapon to establish good intent. During these ceremonial occasions, it is customary to salute the General with the firing of 17 rounds, the Minister with 19 rounds and the Head-Of-State or Royal Family Members with 21 rounds. Thus, at the National Day Parade, the 21-Gun Salute will be fired off concurrently with the President’s inspection of the parade, timed with astute precision to match the President’s progress.