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A spirit that rocks

Article provided courtesy of The Straits Times

A performer, one of 7,300 who are involved in this year's National Day Parade, strikes a delightful pose for the camera.
Radio DJ Jean Danker, one of the five hosts of this year's NDP.
Mr Choo Khoon Hock, a regular attendee of NDP, smiles for the camera.
A dance troupe puts up a spirited performance, to the delight of the crowds.
Teenagers from secondary schools and tertiary institutions on modified stilts which are springy. Called "skyrunners", these performers enthralled the audience with their shiny, futuristic costumes and boisterous moves.

Amid the 27,000-strong sea of red and white yesterday were young ones in party gear and warpaint.

They came ready to rock or to just have a good time, and were not about to let the drizzle become a wet blanket.

Early birds like graduate student Chris Tan, 32, had made their way to the gates near Merrill Lynch in Marina Square at 12.45pm, hours before the 3pm opening time.

"I hate this whole kiasu part but I really wanted a seat near the stage to get a good view. I didn't expect to be the first in line," he said.

Others came prepared for a picnic on the stands.

During the three-hour celebration, eyes were glued to the sky when the F-16C jets roared overhead. But hands were equally busy, hauling sandwiches, fried chicken and fruits from bags.

Yet others were vigorously painting the Singapore flag on their faces and arms.

Said taxi driver Kevin Chong, 52, who had "NDP" emblazoned on his face: "It's Singapore's birthday. I want to celebrate with Singapore and show it on my face!"

No one wanted to be a party-pooper, including people milling outside the tickets-only seated gallery area.

A carnival-like atmosphere could be felt along the Esplanade waterfront, created by the roving bands and artists there. Many people were dancing along to the beat.

Around the floating platform, rapturous cheers greeted the appearance of the parade motivators - the folk who got the crowd on their feet - and emcees, as the festivities started after 5pm.

Forget the Kallang Roar. Here was the "Marina Wave" as thousands of hands went up into the air despite the drizzle. Some, who got carried away, even lifted their babies up.

As the Red Lions parachutists made their way up the seating gallery after tricky landings in the strong wind, there was much applause.

The appearance of the Black Knights in their F-16C jets, and the fireworks, drew oohs and aahs.

And as night fell, the merry-makers clapped and danced, waving the inflatable air gloves and mini-Singapore flags from their funpacks.

Even as the last fireworks died away and the parade came to an end, Mr Terence Toh, a 21-year-old administrative assistant, continued waving and singing at the stands.

"I'm just so very happy because it's my first time here. The fireworks were the best," Mr Toh said.