Hero banner for Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond: SCDF at the National Day Parade 2026
When the SCDF Guard of Honour contingent marched into the National Stadium, each officer moved in perfect synchrony, reflecting months of training and teamwork.
They had spent weeks learning to handle their rifles, move in unison and hone their drills. Along the way, they also supported one another, embodying this year’s National Day Parade theme, “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!”, which celebrates the Singapore spirit of continually striving to do more for one another and the nation.
MAJ Lee Jun Qi (left), Senior Staff Officer (Land Systems) in the Transformation and Future Technology Department at HQ SCDF, and CPT Chennam Uday Samir, a Company Commander in the Civil Defence Academy’s National Service Training Centre, led this year’s SCDF Guard of Honour contingent. PHOTO: SCDF
Leading the SCDF Guard of Honour contingent was MAJ Lee Jun Qi, with CPT Chennam Uday Samir as the Contingent Second-in-Command.
“It was a meaningful opportunity to represent SCDF at the National Day Parade and to lead SCDF officers who had dedicated so much time and effort to train for it. I hope our performance reflected the professionalism and commitment that define SCDF,” MAJ Jun Qi said.
For CPT Samir, the appointment fulfilled a journey that began long before he joined SCDF.
“I still remember watching the National Day Parade on television and feeling a sense of wonder at the precision and pride that the marching contingents display. I never imagined that one day I would be a part of it,” CPT Samir shared with a smile.
CPT Samir and the SCDF Guard of Honour contingent during a rehearsal. PHOTO: NDP 26 IE PHOTOGRAPHERS
“Last year, I was the reserve Contingent Second-in-Command, which gave me a glimpse of what this experience would entail. Taking on the role this year felt like the culmination of a journey that began long before I put on the SCDF uniform. This is an honour I do not take lightly,” he added.
Among the various segments of the National Day Parade, the Parade and Ceremony segment has always been a favourite for MAJ Jun Qi.
“I enjoy seeing the Singapore Armed Forces, Home Team and civilian contingents come together as one. It reminds us that keeping our nation safe is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a part to play,” he said.
Behind the polished movements on the parade ground, SCDF officers from various units and backgrounds spent months training to perfect their movements.
“In the early training sessions, we were still finding our footing and improving our drills,” CPT Samir said. “Even during breaks, the trainers and instructors continue to give everyone close guidance. We also encouraged one another, as we wanted the team to improve together. Such ownership and care for the person beside you speaks volumes about the culture we have built.”
The SCDF Guard of Honour contingent rehearsing at the National Stadium. PHOTO: NDP 26 IE PHOTOGRAPHERS
As the weeks went by, the officers grew more confident in their movements and drills.
“Watching the contingent perfect its drills and handle the SAR21 rifle with precision was one of the most rewarding parts of this journey,” CPT Samir added.
The SCDF Guard of Honour contingent at the National Stadium. PHOTO: NDP 26 IE PHOTOGRAPHERS
MAJ Jun Qi also acknowledged the determination and perseverance of the contingent members. Despite the intensive training schedule, everyone remained enthusiastic and eager.
“Many of them are frontline emergency responders who return to operational duties between rehearsals, while others are trainees balancing their foundation training with the rehearsals,” MAJ Jun Qi said. “It was not easy for them to balance work and family duties, yet they gave their best at every rehearsal. Even when the training got tough, they were always positive and smiling. Their commitment and resilience made me incredibly proud of them.”
The Guard of Honour contingents firing the rifle during the feu de joie. PHOTO: SCDF
Beyond the drills and rehearsals, the experience also brought SCDF officers closer together.
“The friendships that we built will stay with us long after the parade ends. We will continue the same spirit of selflessness and care in our daily work, and take pride in protecting and saving lives and property,” MAJ Jun Qi added.
The SCDF Guard of Honour contingent and trainers celebrating Singapore’s 61st birthday with SCDF Senior Management. PHOTO: SCDF
COMR Eric Yap (centre), Commissioner SCDF, with MAJ Jun Qi (second from left) and CPT Samir (second from right). MAJ Muhammad Khalis Bin Zulkifli (left) and CPT Joyce Ng (right) are the reserve Contingent Commander and Contingent Second-In-Command. PHOTO: SCDF
For CPT Samir, marching together reaffirms how SCDF officers work as one, both on the parade ground and during emergencies.
“Although we come from different units, divisions and fire stations, we move as one. That is exactly how we operate during emergencies. Everyone has a role, and it is only by working together that we can accomplish our mission,” CPT Samir said.
The SCDF Guard of Honour contingent marching in unison to cheers from the spectators. PHOTO: SCDF
As the contingent marched past to cheers from the spectators, the sense of achievement and pride was truly indescribable.
“Seeing the smiles, cheers and applause from Singaporeans as they enjoyed the parade made all the effort worthwhile,” MAJ Jun Qi said. “We are also deeply grateful to our families, friends, trainers and the entire SCDF family for supporting us throughout this journey."
Apart from the Guard of Honour contingent, SCDF officers were also involved in the contingency standby for the National Day Parade. They were forward deployed at several locations near the National Stadium, alongside their counterparts from various government agencies.
COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF, interacting with SCDF officers who were on contingency standby near the National Stadium. PHOTO: SCDF
As the nation celebrated Singapore’s 61st birthday, SCDF frontliners who were on contingency standby were in high spirits. PHOTO: SCDF
Happy 61st birthday, Singapore!