Good evening,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,This year, Singaporeans celebrated the nation's 45th birthday at the Padang. It was a timely return to the Padang as many changes have taken place in the surrounding landscape in the last five years. Having just pulled through the most severe economic recession since independence, the new and spectacular skyline across the Marina Reservoir and the Marina Bay Sands gave special meaning to the celebrations. It encapsulated not only the progress we have made over the years, but more importantly the dare-to-dream and can-do spirit that Singaporeans possess. Indeed, the Padang continues to hold a special place in our hearts. It is where we marked the first anniversary of our independence with a parade showing our unity and resolve. NDP is now an annual reaffirmation of this resolve and resilience that have seen us through the struggles we have gone through together since the early years of nationhood.

The sophistication of each National Day Parade has grown over the years. So have the expectations of Singaporeans. Each year the organisers seek out new possibilities and innovations to produce more original and evocative displays. The dazzling effects are not an end in themselves - they serve to entertain, but more importantly to educate and inspire. They encourage Singaporeans to have fun, but also reaffirm that we are one.

Besides celebrating our independence, NDP also seeks to rejuvenate the Singapore Spirit to overcome the challenges of the future. We will need to constantly reinvent ourselves, continue to create value through hard work and ingenuity, and find new paths for progress. This spirit of togetherness was reinforced by expanding direct participation in the parade beyond the 26,500 spectators who can be seated at the Padang. Celebrations were simultaneously held in the heartlands, complete with fringe activities, firework displays and the SAF mobile column. This resulted in the biggest and most inclusive National Day celebration ever, by successfully drawing more than 60,000 residents in the heartlands to join in the celebrations and reaffirm their commitment to Singapore.

I am also glad that the organisers showed the Singapore spirit of compassion. You went the extra mile to fulfill the dream of a little girl. Five-year-old cancer patient Charmaine Lim had hoped to watch the fireworks display but was unable to go to the Padang because of her weak immune system. When the NDP Exco came to know about Charmaine's wish via the NDP Feedback channel just days before the Parade, the Exco arranged for Charmaine and three of her friends, also cancer patients, to catch the fireworks from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark on National Day. Simple acts like this to make the NDP special to Singaporeans in their own way are what the NDP and Singapore are about."Home", a favourite among Singaporeans, was a fitting finale, as Singaporeans all over the island who were watching the parade, and even those overseas, sang along with pride, emotion and spirit that Singapore is Home.

The success of this year's celebrations was possible only through the hard work and dedication of the 12,000 people from the SAF, partner organisations and sponsors. You have worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the months leading up to NDP. In particular, the success in connecting the heartlands to the Padang depended on exact timing and smooth communication link-ups. Apart from ensuring that the nation-wide celebrations ran with clockwork precision, you had the additional challenge of coordinating with the rehearsals for the YOG Opening Ceremony, which were taking place concurrently in the Marina Bay area. I am also certain that it was no mean feat arranging for the 210-strong SAF mobile column to weave its way through downtown Singapore.

Nevertheless, you rose to the occasion and delivered beyond expectations. The crowd was thrilled with the line-up of activities, particularly the mobile column and the innovative 360-degree fireworks display. By drawing out the feelings that Singaporeans have for our country, and expressing their hopes, fears and dreams, you have helped them to reaffirm their confidence in our future - in an NDP that Singaporeans and others watching will remember for many years to come.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the corporate and individual sponsors who have contributed generously. On behalf of the nation, I thank all of you, participants, sponsors, for a wonderful and memorable NDP. The commitment and passion that you displayed, the hard work and long hours put in are symbolic of the spirit that we need for the future, and are truly appreciated. I hope you have come through this experience with great satisfaction and fond memories which you can share with your family and friends.

I wish each and every one of you an enjoyable evening and look forward to your continued support for our future NDPs.