Many gathered at the Padang for Singapore’s 60th National Day Parade (NDP) on Aug. 9.
Here are some highlights from the parade this year:
Jump of Unity by NDU and Red Lions
For the first time ever, the Red Lions and divers from the Naval Diver Unit (NDU) jumped into two different locations, the Padang and Marina Bay respectively – as part of a coordinated display.
Seven naval divers leapt from a helicopter before deploying their parachutes and landing together in the waters of Marina Bay.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Seven Red Lions then followed, going into their ring free-fall formation before deploying their parachutes and landing safely in front of the crowds at the Padang.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Photo by Khoo Wen-en/Mothership
Glenn Yong caught on camera twice
Singapore actor Glenn Yong appeared amongst the crowd several times throughout the night.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Seems like the camera loves him.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Yong was seated next to his mother, whom he is known to have a close relationship with.
President Tharman inspects SCDF Guard of Honour contingent for the first time
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
For the first time, the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Guard of Honour contingent marched alongside the armed forces and police during the parade.
Led by contingent commander Lee En Hao, the contingent included 60 personnel from HQ SCDF, Civil Defence Academy, and SCDF's Marine and Land Divisions, SCDF said.
Also joining the parade for the first time was the full contingent of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), which marks its 10th anniversary this year.
In total, the parade featured 40 marching contingents, making it the biggest one at the Padang since 1990, when 70 contingents took part.
Veterans presentation
Veterans of Singapore’s uniformed services were presented before the crowd to thunderous applause.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Among them was Singapore’s oldest living veteran, 95-year-old Staff Sergeant Booi Seow Kiat.
He had served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and sailed on the Singapore Navy’s first ship, the RSS Panglima.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Also present were Senior Staff Sergeant Cynthia Ang, who was part of the protection team for the wife of Singapore’s second president Benjamin Sheares, and Senior Warrant Officer 1 Jimmy Tan, who was part of the rescue team for the Hotel New World disaster in 1986.
@mothershipsg 🥺 our heart#sgnews #tiktoksg #ndp2025 #sg60 #ndp ♬ original sound - Mothership
Dick Lee shows up in hot air balloon
Photo by Andrew Koay/Mothership
Music veteran Dick Lee made a grand appearance on a hot air balloon, singing a cover of 2002’s NDP song “We Will Get There”.
While the song was originally sung by Stefanie Sun, Lee was its composer.
SG60 balls were also tossed around the crowd during his performance.
Very cool.
Benjamin Kheng performs "Not Alone" on the way to the Padang
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Next, singer Benjamin Kheng appeared on a boat from Marina Bay for a performance of his 2024’s NDP song “Not Alone”.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Cultural icon Rahimah Rahim joined him from the Padang, performing the song alongside him.
Kheng announced via Instagram on Jul. 18 that a new rendition of the song was recorded and released to mark SG60.
It features former The Sam Willows bandmate Riley and Singaporean singer Shazza.
Humourous “I want to” signs
Members of the audience were given big placards for them to fill out the line “I want to...”
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Some wrote that they wanted an easier PSLE, others wished for a reliable and affordable public transport system, and one humorously said they didn’t want to appear on camera again.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Workers’ Party leader Pritam Singh wrote, “I want to have no regrets”, while People’s Action Party's Jasmin Lau shared, “I want to hug my children”.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
SM Lee in his photographer era
Senior minister Lee Hsien Loong was spotted throughout the performances with his camera in hand, snapping pictures.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
We love to see the passion.
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
Crying man 2025
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
This year’s NDP also saw another “crying man” moment, reminiscent of the iconic scene from 2022.
This time, it was a performer who was caught crying passionately while singing the national anthem.
Iconic wefie
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
To close off the celebrations, host Joakim Gomez took a group selfie with the performers and President Tharman, as the latter made his rounds and shook their hands before leaving the Padang.
The “wefie” has become a recurring and customary gesture for the past few years, and is frequently taken at the end of NDP celebrations.
“I ❤️ SG & XH”
Screenshot from NDPeeps.
A performer’s mobile banner declaring their love for Singapore and a certain “XH” was captured in the ending credits.
We are not sure who “XH” is, but we’re definitely on the same page about loving Singapore.
Happy National Day, Singapore!
Top photos from NDPeeps/YouTube and Andrew Koay/Mothership
