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As the crowd cheered and waved the Singapore flags, the marching contingents emerged in perfect synchrony with the rhythmic music echoing across the Padang.
For the first time in National Day Parade (NDP) history, the SCDF marched alongside the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in the Guard of Honour (GOH) contingent.
Leading SCDF’s inaugural GOH contingent were Contingent Commander MAJ Lee En Hao and Contingent 2nd-in-Command CPT Jadyn Toh Pei Xuan.
MAJ Lee En Hao (left), Senior Training Safety Officer at the Civil Defence Academy, and CPT Jadyn Toh Pei Xuan (right), Staff Officer (Logistics Plans & Projects) from Logistics Department, HQ SCDF. PHOTO: SCDF
“Growing up, my favourite segment of the NDP was the marching contingent,” CPT Jadyn recalled. “This year was especially meaningful as I had the opportunity to stand among them. You could feel the pride in every officer standing on the parade ground, as they took in the electrifying atmosphere from the crowd.”
For CPT Jadyn, participating in the NDP fulfilled a lifelong aspiration. Before joining the SCDF, she was a cadet in the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps and had long dreamed of being in the parade one day.
“This opportunity came as a wonderful surprise, made even more special as SCDF’s first GOH contingent coincides with Singapore’s 60th birthday,” she said. “Having SCDF represented in the GOH contingent recognises our frontliners’ contributions to Total Defence through their dedication to protecting and saving lives and property.”
The Guard of Honour contingent comprised 60 officers from HQ SCDF, the Civil Defence Academy, and SCDF’s Marine and Land Divisions. PHOTO: SCDF
Marching forward together
Preparing for the NDP was no easy feat. Months of training, discipline, and teamwork went into perfecting every move for the parade. Training began in early 2025 with weekly drill sessions at the Civil Defence Academy. Once the contingent was proficient in the basic drills, they progressed on to drills with the SAR21 rifle.
SCDF’s Guard of Honour contingent trained rigorously with the SAR21 rifle in preparation for the parade. PHOTO: SCDF
“While the rifle is the standard weapon borne by the GOH contingents, it is not used by the SCDF in its daily operations,” MAJ En Hao explained. “As such, our GOH contingent underwent dedicated training to operate the rifle safely, especially for the feu de joie, also known as the rifle salute.”
“For Jadyn and me, we had to familiarise ourselves with the ceremonial sword for parade drills. The sword must be wielded smoothly and elegantly, while remaining upright throughout the parade,” he added.
“We are deeply grateful to the SAF and SCDF trainers for their patience and guidance throughout the training, helping us to refine our drills for the big day,” CPT Jadyn chimed in. “While it was a new experience for everyone, it was heartwarming to see the contingent train hard and give their best every week.”
Group photo of the SCDF Guard of Honour contingent during one of their rehearsals. PHOTO: SCDF
Bonds forged during training turn into treasured memories
Over the months of training, the contingent became a close-knit team. “We looked out for and encouraged each other along the way,” MAJ En Hao shared.
One of his fondest memories was during a march from the Padang to Marina Square. “We started singing in cadence to our steps, and it was an incredible feeling to see the contingent’s spirit come alive in the heart of the city,” he said.
SCDF officers firing the rifle during the feu de joie. PHOTO: SCDF
For CPT Jadyn, the moment that would always be etched in her heart was watching her colleagues fire the rifle for the feu de joie.
“For most of them, it was their first time handling the rifle. I was incredibly proud when they executed the feu de joie perfectly alongside our SAF and SPF counterparts,” she shared with a smile.
This year’s NDP also saw the return of the Mobile Column, in which SCDF showcased its full range of emergency response capabilities, alongside the SAF and SPF.
Spectators cheered on the Mobile Column as it drove past the Padang. PHOTO: SCDF
As part of the parade’s maritime display, SCDF’s Rapid Response Fire Vessel, alongside vessels from the Republic of Singapore Navy, Singapore Police Force, and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, sailed past Marina Bay. PHOTO: SCDF
Representing SCDF in the “Generation to Generation” segment of the Mobile Column are SWO1 Khairudin Bin Mohamed Ali (right), a Senior Course Specialist at the Civil Defence Academy, and his sons, WO2 Muhammad Khairi Bin Khairudin (centre), a Section Commander at Ang Mo Kio Fire Station, and SGT3 Khairul Azhar Bin Khairudin (left), a Fire Biker at Yishun Fire Station. PHOTO: SCDF
SCDF’s marching contingent was led by Contingent Commander CPT Keith Tan, an Operations Exercise Officer from 4th SCDF Division. PHOTO: SCDF
SCDF officers marched past spectators during the Onward March segment. PHOTO: SCDF
A moment to cherish
As the sun set over the Padang, performers, spectators, and people across Singapore stood together as one for the National Anthem. Watching the State Flag glide across the skyline, MAJ En Hao stood reverently.
“That was my favourite moment of the NDP,” he shared. “I even keep a photo of it as my laptop wallpaper. Watching everyone sing in unison against the backdrop of our city reminds me of how far our country has progressed over the past 60 years. I believe that as one united people, we will overcome any adversity.”
The National Anthem echoing across the Padang. PHOTO: MAJ LEE EN HAO
As Singapore celebrated its 60th birthday, CPT Jadyn and MAJ En Hao expressed their appreciation to SCDF trainers, colleagues and their loved ones.
“I am proud of every SCDF trainer and contingent member as they balanced the NDP rehearsals with their daily duties,” CPT Jadyn said. “We are also deeply grateful to their families for supporting the officers as they trained for this momentous event.”
“Above all, we are thankful for the public’s strong trust in the SCDF. Every emergency we respond to, we see words of encouragement online, and that motivates us to give our best, knowing that our actions have made a difference to the community,” she added with a smile.
Nodding in agreement, MAJ En Hao said, “Marching together as one, we not only honour our nation’s progress but also reaffirm our commitment to protect and save lives and property, keeping Singapore safe and secure.”