National Day (Singapore)

National Day,^[a] sometimes known internationally as Singapore Independence Day,^[b] is a major public holiday in Singapore commemorating the establishment of an independent and sovereign Republic of Singapore. Observed annually on 9 August since 1965, it marks the date when Singapore became fully sovereign following its separation from Malaysia. The day is a statutory public holiday and features the National Day Parade (NDP), a National Day Message by the Prime Minister of Singapore and National Day Fireworks Celebrations, among other festivities like Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Chinese New Year.^[1]

National Day
From top, left to right: Various commemorations of National Day over the decades
Official name	National Day of Singapore
Also called	Singapore Independence Day
Observed by	Singapore
Type	National
Significance	Commemoration of Singapore's independence as a sovereign state
Celebrations	National Day Parade, National Day Message by the Prime Minister of Singapore, and National Day Fireworks Celebrations
Date	3 June (1960–1964) 9 August (1965–present)
Frequency	Annually

The NDP is a large-scale event featuring military and civil contingents, cultural performances and aerial displays. Alongside the parade, the Prime Minister delivers an annual message reflecting on national progress and future challenges. The holiday originates from the formal proclamation of Singapore's independence on 9 August 1965 that was drafted by the Minister for Law Edmund W. Barker and signed by prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Since then, National Day has become a focal point for national identity and unity among Singaporeans.^[2]

History

Date of National Day

1960–1964

10 cent stamps to commemorate National Day in 1962, which was held on 3 June

Singapore initially had a different date for National Day prior to 9 August, when it commemorated 3 June after achieving full internal self-governance from the United Kingdom in 1959. Between 1960 and 1964, Singapore celebrated National Day on 3 June to mark this occasion and the end of colonial rule.^[3][4]

Festivities

National Day Parade

Main article: Singapore National Day parade

The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony that is usually held at The Float @ Marina Bay, the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub, or the Padang. In 2007, the Parade was held at The Float @ Marina Bay for the first time, and in 2016, it was held at the Singapore Sports Hub. The parade includes performances that depict the yearly theme.

National Day Message

The National Day Message is an annual tradition on 8 August since 1966. In each year's recorded message, the Prime Minister of Singapore "examine[s] domestic and global developments, review[s] economic performance and outlook, and outline[s] national priorities and government plans as [he inspires] Singaporeans to move forward with a unified sense of purpose".^[5]

National Day Fireworks Celebrations

Main article: Singapore Fireworks Celebrations

National Day Celebrations also include fireworks celebrations. They feature several local and foreign teams which launch fireworks displays on different nights. First held in 2004 at Marina Bay, the event was initially known as the Singapore Fireworks Festival and organised by Unusual Productions. The amount of fireworks used has grown in magnitude over the past three years, from 4,000 rounds used in 2004 to over 9,000 in 2006. In 2012, a Mentos commercial encouraged procreation during the same time as the fireworks celebration.^[6]

See also

• List of Singaporean patriotic songs

Notes

1. Malay: Hari Kebangsaan Singapura; Chinese: 新加坡国庆日; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூரின் தேசிய நாள்
2. Malay: Hari Kemerdekaan Singapura; Chinese: 新加坡独立日; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் சுதந்திர தினம்