National Day (Singapore)
Public holiday in Singapore
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
National Day,[a] sometimes known internationally as Singapore Independence Day,[b] and formally as Singapore Day,[1] is a major public holiday in Singapore commemorating the establishment of an independent and sovereign Singapore. Observed annually on 9 August since 1965, and originally on 3 June from 1959 to 1964, the current date marks when Singapore became fully sovereign following its separation from Malaysia, while the previous date marked when Singapore achieved internal self-governance from the United Kingdom.[2] 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 fireworks celebrations, among other festivities.[3]
| National Day | |
|---|---|
  .jpg)  From top, left to right: Various commemorations of National Day over the decades | |
| Official name | National Day of Singapore |
| Also called | Singapore Independence Day, Singapore Day |
| Observed by | Singapore |
| Type | National |
| Significance | to celebrate Singapore's independence as a sovereign state |
| Celebrations | National Day Parade, National Day Message by the Prime Minister of Singapore, and fireworks celebrations |
| Date | 3 June (1959–1964) 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.[4]
History
Date of National Day
1959–1964
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.[2] Between 1959 and 1964, Singapore celebrated National Day on 3 June to mark this occasion and the end of colonial rule.[5][6]
Festivities
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 9 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".[7]
National Day Rally
On the first or second Sunday following National Day, the prime minister gives an address to the nation at a National Day Rally, which usually features discussions of the country's status and accomplishments, and announcements of future plans and policy changes.[8]
Firework celebrations
National Day celebrations also include fireworks celebrations. They feature several local and foreign teams which launch fireworks displays on different nights.
