I slumbered out of bed pretty late today due to the accumulated effects from a lack of sleep this entire week. As I peered out of my window, I could barely notice any units in my neighborhood hoisting the Singapore flag, and this was supposed to be National Day here in Singapore.

The celebratory parade held in the evening was supposed to be unique this year, due it being held on a floating platform because the stadium, where it has always traditionally been held most of the time, was under renovation. This was hardly the case. Other than the naval presence during the military display, which wasn’t possible before, everything else was pretty much routine. Unlike the Soviets during the Cold War, we don’t have a new ICBM to parade out every other year.

May Day Parade in the USSR	National Day Parade here

I always find it rather humorous that the president receives the grandest welcome, even though it is very much apparent that the Prime Minster wields more power and influence. Also, I could never quite appreciate nor comprehend the dance and other miscellaneous performances, so the remainder of the show was a huge bore that paid little attention to. A friend was mine was involved in one of the the performances but I wasn’t able to identify him on TV.

Still, National Day is always worth looking forward to just for the fact that it’s a day off school.