From giant flag displays to NDP rehearsals: Meet the volunteers behind Singapore's 61st birthday celebrations
Since 2015, Toa Payoh residents have come together each year to create a National Day flag display, with Singapore flags arranged into a giant number across two HDB blocks to mark the nation's birthday.
Singaporeans display their love for the nation through a variety of volunteer-led festivities marking the 61st National Day. In Toa Payoh's Lorong 1, a giant flag display takes center stage, with Singapore flags forming the number 61 suspended between two HDB blocks. Ong Kok Chee, the 64-year-old chairman of the Toa Payoh North Zone 2 Residents Network, has been organizing this display since 2015. The annual event has become a beloved landmark for residents, who often take photos to share with friends.
Volunteers meticulously assemble the flag panels over several months, with installation day requiring a coordinated effort from residents and volunteers to position every flag perfectly. Over the years, the team has honed their techniques, learning how to secure the flags against strong winds and heavy rain. This year, Ong and his team shared their expertise with other Toa Payoh neighborhoods, assisting them in creating their own National Day displays.
Meanwhile, a separate group of volunteers has been rehearsing for the National Day Parade (NDP) at the National Stadium. Madeline Chan, a 34-year-old Singapore citizen and SAF Military Band volunteer, is performing alongside the band for the first time. Coming from a symphonic band background, Chan had to learn military marching drills while continuing to play her woodwind instrument. Despite the challenge, she finds the experience rewarding and a testament to the unity of Singaporeans celebrating their shared identity.
Student Celeste Kan, a second-year polytechnic student and TOUCH motivator, is another volunteer working tirelessly in the stands. TOUCH has trained over 10,000 youth motivators since its inception in 2000, with Kan returning to the role after finding her experience last year rewarding. Motivating the crowd with cheers, choreography, and encouraging spectators to join in, Kan finds great meaning in the collective spirit of unity that NDP fosters.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
