Singapore held her first-ever National Day Parade (NDP) as a one-year-old nation on Aug. 9, 1966.

Since then, the NDP has evolved to become a highly-anticipated and highly-sophisticated event with many moving parts and mass participation from all sectors of society.

Here's what happened during the first-ever NDP.

Aug. 9, 1966: 9am.

The parade commenced at 9am at the Padang.

From 1966 to 1973, the parade took place in the morning instead of the evening.

At that time, Lee Kuan Yew was Prime Minister, Toh Chin Chye was Deputy Prime Minister and S Rajaratnam was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Culture.

They were photographed arriving at the parade:

Yusof Ishak, the then-president of Singapore, rode in the ceremonial vehicle.

He waved to the crowd, and then inspected the parade:

The march-past took place after the parade inspection.

Some 23,000 people were involved, including soldiers, civic and uniformed groups, teachers, trade unionists, and children. 

As National Service was not implemented yet, many people in the contingents were volunteers.

The march-past was led by the People's Defence Force (PDF).

At that time, the PDF was a reserve combat unit to supplement the regular Singapore Army.

As the military contingents marched through Chinatown towards Tanjong Pagar, spectators lined the streets to watch them.

Some also watched from their balconies for a better view.

The parade included performances by students from various schools, and a lion and dragon dance display at City Hall.

10.40 am

At approximately 10.40am, rain fell on Singapore's first parade.

However, the military contingents continued marching in the rain.

Many spectators were drenched, but undeterred by the wet weather.

4pm

The parade had two fireworks displays.

The first display took place at 4pm at the Padang.

In anticipation of the fireworks, people gathered at the Esplanade area.

Hawkers also set up stalls along Queen Elizabeth Walk to cater to the crowd.

7.30pm

In the evening, there was a second fireworks display at Fort Canning Rise.

Motor traffic in the area came to a standstill as thousands headed to Fort Canning to watch the fireworks.

NDP these days

Since 1966, the parades have evolved to include militaristic displays and greater involvement of Singaporeans from many more walks of life, such as having multi-national corporations send their own marching contingents. 

Fireworks are even set off in the heartland estates.

Despite all the changes, the parade fundamentally serves as a reminder that Singapore is an independent nation.

Top image via NAS