Red and White – What do these two colours remind you of? Yes, It is time to don your patriotic colours!
It is National Day today, and we’re pretty sure that everyone is excited about it. However, since the world is still on hold due to the long-prevailing pandemic situation, there will be many changes in the way we celebrate National Day this year too.
History
So, do you know why August 9th is celebrated as the “National Day” every single year?
Singapore’s separation from Malaysia took place on August 9, 1965, and ever since then, this day has been celebrated as the National Day as a mark of independence. The day is celebrated by all Singaporeans with joy and pride, commemorating Singapore’s proud history and its glorious rise to freedom.
Singapore National Day is a public holiday and is an occasion for every citizen to look back at their country’s achievements, to be proud of them, and take a pledge to work together for a bright future ahead. Singapore, in its 56-year period, has become one of the most developed and prosperous nations showing its prowess in different fields on the international stage.
Celebrations
There are many events organized to celebrate National Day by the government and many other organisations. The main attractions are the National Day Parade, National Day Message, National Day Rally, and The Firework Celebrations. Due to covid restrictions, there are many changes to the events this year. Let’s do a quick walkthrough on what’s different this year around.
National Day Message
The National Day Message delivers the message of unity and strength of every Singaporean and reminds them of their proud heritage.
This year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had addressed the country via a television message on August 8, Sunday, in English on CNA at 6.45 pm. The message will be relayed in Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil by different ministers at different times. The National Day message (in all four languages) can be viewed on the website and YouTube channel of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) after the first broadcasts.
National Day Parade
National Day Parade is an event putting on display the pride Singaporeans have for their country. The parade includes various routines performed by the Military and armed forces, students, bands, professional dancers, labour unions, and various others based on the theme of the parade chosen that year.
The theme for the National Day Parade this year is “Together, Our Singapore Spirit”. It seeks to spread the message of unity among Singaporeans and to urge everyone to draw new strength to fight and survive together in these troubling times.
Due to the covid restrictions, the National Day Parade has been shifted to August 21. On August 9, a ceremonial parade to mark National Day will be held instead. The National Day Rally has also been postponed to Aug 29.
Firework Celebrations
The firework celebrations are a spectacle to behold. Conducted in association with the national day, the firework celebrations involve a multitude of firework experts both from in and out of the country, working to create a treat for all of our senses. The view of uncountable fireworks lighting up the sky will leave everyone in awe!
Unfortunately, due to the covid restrictions, this year’s firework displays and parachute jumps by the Red Lions that were to be held on Aug 7 and 8 have also been cancelled.
It’s sad news for all that many of the main attractions are either delayed or cancelled. Instead of being disappointed, let us look at some other ways for you to stay at home and celebrate the day with your family.
1. Learn about Singapore’s history
What better day to teach your children about our history than the National Day? Try to make it a fun activity. There are many interesting videos and virtual guides that help teach your children about Singapore’s proud history.
Roots by the National Heritage Board of Singapore is one such resource you can use. Launched in 2016, it has a wide collection of heritage trails, monuments, historic trails, cultural assets, and much more for you to explore.
Like this, there are many other resources you can make use of. (Check out for VR apps on your smartphone or tablet and give your child a virtual experience of Singapore National Day)
2. Prepare traditional dishes and try out new recipes
Since dine-in is not allowed, you can choose to order food to be delivered. Or, you can make it into a fun cooking day for the whole family. Find and try out some traditional recipes. Ask your elders or even search online. Find a different dish than what you usually try. Prepare and enjoy it with your family.
Looking for options?
Google the recipes for Hainanese Chicken Rice, Kaya toast, Singapore Hokkien Mee and Sambal Stingray.
It will be a memory that you will cherish. It can also be an educational opportunity for your children to know about traditional food and cultures. Also, assign them tasks to help you in the cooking process.
3. Have some fun games and family activities
Plan some fun activities for the whole family. Watching movies, board games, gardening, let it be anything, spend the holiday you have with your loved ones. Even though exams are coming, let your children take the day off. It will be refreshing for them and for you too.
4. Catch up on virtual celebration programs
There are different virtual events scheduled in association with National Day. Try to find out their timings and choose one that you can enjoy as a whole family.
Even though the celebrations are scaled-down, the spirit of the day has not come down even a bit. So, keep your spirits high and have a memorable National Day with your families.
Stay Safe, Stay Happy. 🙂
We wish everyone a Happy National Day!
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
Who We Are
Mission statement – “Empower every student to achieve full potential”
88tuition Pte Ltd offers the best PSLE Tuition Singapore for children looking to ace the PSLE exam. With effective learning materials and high-quality explanatory videos by experienced trainers, children are provided with the best online PSLE tuition.
With the basics learnt well, children will be able to grasp advanced concepts easily. Looking for the best PSLE math tuition, PSLE Science tuition and PSLE English tuition in Singapore? 88tuition has got you covered. The online training videos and assessments are designed in a way that children are made to enjoy the learning process.
UEN 201817310C
271 Bukit Timah Road; #03-08; Singapore 259708
