Sunday, August 1, 2010

And They Came One By One...

Every weekend leading up to Singapore National Day, Singapore practices everything they will do on National Day.  They practice every part over and over so it is perfect.  It is not dry runs; it is exactly what they will do during the Singapore National Day celebrations; roads are closed, helicopters pull huge flags in the air, the fighter pilots race in the sky, the sky divers jump into the city, the twenty-one gun salute with 'cannons' fire with loud bangs, the military's armored vehicles line up for miles, and the entire parade runs the parade route.  Each Saturday for the 4 weeks before the National Day Celebrations the entire country looks on while they practice to perfection; something I would expect no less from in this little country.

Last Saturday, Steve and I were out for our weekend adventure and we happened upon the line of military, civil defense and emergency vehicles parading down Nicholl Highway - errrr - practicing the parade route.  It was mighty impressive to see.

For as far as the eye could see in either direction, you could see the procession of armored and emergency vehicles:





And there were all kinds:




And they do have everything:












One would wonder if it makes us worry to see all of these defense vehicles, but it was quite the contrary.  Watching them pass solidly for no less than 20 minutes, it made us aware that there were hundreds of these military support vehicles; more than enough to make us feel extremely protected should anything arise to warrant their use - though of course we don't anticipate that happening.  

The military here is quite strong; all young men are required to serve in the services upon completion of high school if I remember correctly.  They work and practice all year long and take the job quite seriously - making for a very strong military presence.  I am impressed with Singapore quite often - this being no exception.  Standing by watching the hundreds of vehicles passing was quite an experience.  I am glad we did not miss the procession.  Made for quite a sobering moment or two.

Singapore National Day is August 9th; stay tuned and pay attention - you don't want to miss a thing!

2 comments:

Cajunrose said...

That IS quite impressive. It seems like that all of that practicing would make the real event not as awe-inspiring though.

Noelle Reese said...

WOW! Now about the urinals [weird?] are there woman involved what would they do?
LN