// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did National Day say to Singapore? "You're a nation above the rest.
| National Day | |
|---|---|
   .jpg)  From top, left to right: Various commemorations of National Day over the decades | |
| Official name | National Day of Singapore |
| Also called | Singapore Independence Day, Singapore Day |
| Observed by | Singapore |
| Type | National |
| Significance | to celebrate Singapore's independence as a sovereign state |
| Celebrations | National Day Parade, National Day Message by the Prime Minister of Singapore, and fireworks celebrations |
| Date | 3 June (1959–1964) 9 August (1965–present) |
| Frequency | Annually |
National Day,[a] sometimes known internationally as Singapore Independence Day,[b] and formally as Singapore Day,[1] is a major public holiday in Singapore commemorating the establishment of an independent and sovereign Singapore. Observed annually on 9 August since 1965, and originally on 3 June from 1959 to 1964, the current date marks when Singapore became fully sovereign following its separation from Malaysia, while the previous date marked when Singapore achieved internal self-governance from the United Kingdom.[2] The day is a statutory public holiday and features the National Day Parade (NDP), a National Day Message by the Prime Minister of Singapore and fireworks celebrations, among other festivities.[3]
The NDP is a large-scale event featuring military and civil contingents, cultural performances and aerial displays. Alongside the parade, the Prime Minister delivers an annual message reflecting on national progress and future challenges. The holiday originates from the formal proclamation of Singapore's independence on 9 August 1965 that was drafted by the Minister for Law Edmund W. Barker and signed by prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Since then, National Day has become a focal point for national identity and unity among Singaporeans.[4]
History
[edit]Date of National Day
[edit]1959–1964
[edit]
Singapore initially had a different date for National Day prior to 9 August, when it commemorated 3 June after achieving full internal self-governance from the United Kingdom in 1959.[2] Between 1959 and 1964, Singapore celebrated National Day on 3 June to mark this occasion and the end of colonial rule.[5][6]
Festivities
[edit]National Day Parade
[edit]The Singapore National Day Parade is a national ceremony that is usually held at The Float @ Marina Bay, the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub, or the Padang. In 2007, the Parade was held at The Float @ Marina Bay for the first time, and in 2016, it was held at the Singapore Sports Hub. The parade includes performances that depict the yearly theme.
National Day Message
[edit]The National Day Message is an annual tradition on 9 August since 1966. In each year's recorded message, the Prime Minister of Singapore "examine[s] domestic and global developments, review[s] economic performance and outlook, and outline[s] national priorities and government plans as [he inspires] Singaporeans to move forward with a unified sense of purpose".[7]
National Day Rally
[edit]On the first or second Sunday following National Day, the prime minister gives an address to the nation at a National Day Rally, which usually features discussions of the country's status and accomplishments, and announcements of future plans and policy changes.[8]
Firework celebrations
[edit]National Day celebrations also include fireworks celebrations. They feature several local and foreign teams which launch fireworks displays on different nights.
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Republic of Singapore Independence Act 1965". sso.agc.gov.sg. Singapore Statutes Online. 9 August 1965. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
This Act may be cited as the Republic of Singapore Independence Act 1965 and shall be deemed to have come into operation on the 9th day of August 1965 (hereinafter in this Act referred to as "Singapore Day").
- 1 2 "Text of Speech by the Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, on National Day at City Hall Steps on June 3, 1964" (PDF). nas.gov.sg. National Archives of Singapore. 3 June 1964. Retrieved 4 July 2026.
But we will always have a special place in our hearts for 3rd June, Singapore's National Day.
- ↑ Mahtani, Shibani (10 August 2012). "Thursday's the Day to Go All the Way for Civic Duty in Singapore". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
- ↑ "Proclamation of Singapore, 1965". corporate.nas.gov.sg. National Archives of Singapore. 14 August 2015. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
- ↑ "Singapore's first National Day celebrations".
- ↑ "60 years ago, Singapore celebrated National Day on June 3. Here's why". TODAY. 3 June 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
- ↑ "National Day Messages". Archives Online. 7 August 2018.
- ↑ Chew, Hui Min (20 August 2016). "From babies to casinos: 11 memorable National Day Rally speeches". The Straits Times.
External links
[edit]
Media related to National Day of Singapore at Wikimedia Commons
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