I am JiaJun. For a start, the journey through NDP was really enjoyable and it will definitely be an everlasting experience for me. It is really a great honour for me to have the chance to attend and participate as one of the parade participants in NDP.
Let us get back on track again. During the first NDP training, I was elated initially, but am saddened and shocked when I heard there will be a selection for the best 50 cadets from NCC (Land) and NCC (Sea/Air) respectively. With my heart beating fast, I told myself to perform at my best, so that I will not get eliminated. So, after a few Cadets got eliminated, we were allowed to rest. If you were thinking that I am happy that I am still in the parade, I am not. There is another selection. This time round, we were grouped 9 Cadets per section, accompanied by a Sir. I overheard 3 of every section will be called out. "Sh*t!" I whispered to myself. "3?". During the selection, although I faulted, I am glad I was not eliminated. Edwin, on the other hand, was eliminated. However, after we did our sizing, Edwin was seen as a perfect candidate to be placed in the middle row. Therefore, both of us from Deyi made it through the Selection.
The first training at Nee Soon Camp is more interesting. When we arrived at Nee Soon Camp, we were directed to the Grand Auditorium. We were given our lunch box and I thought, the food at Nee Soon Camp is much better as compared to the food at Amoy Quee Camp. After our lunch, we went off for our rehearsal. I was amazed by the amount of effort the staffs put in in tagging and sticking the labels and markings. Rehearsals were tough under the scorching hot sun (Code: Black). After a few rehearsals with our Contingent, we proceed on with the full rehearsal. Although there were a lot of mistakes made, we corrected it gradually and during the last rehearsal at Nee Soon Camp, everything went off smoothly.
Now, my fellow Platoon mate Edwin will share with you our Journey at Marina Floating Platform.
Finally, we have arrived at the final platform to perform for the whole Singapore - The Floating Platform! On the third week of June, it was our first ever training held at the Floating Platform. We reached Amoy Quee Camp early in the morning and arrived at our Form Up Point - The F1 Pit. I was excited as I do not know we will be gathering at that area. Things got better after that. Some of my Platoon mates told me there will free drinks and food given out. To my curiousity, I went to check with my friends, and indeed, we saw lots of people queuing up for Old Chang Kee and many others were hanging around at the Milo Van, enjoying a cup of Milo. Of course, we went to get ourselves some Curry Puffs and Milo too!
After our Lunch, we were told to fall in and check our body temperature by our Sergeant Major. After we had our temperature, we went down to the roadway of the F1 Pit to fall in and begin to march off to the Floating Platform. While we are marching, we sing aloud cheers. I have learned quite a number of cheers, such as, "Valentine" and "C130 Rolling Down the Street". It was quite a rare experience to be able to lead a cheer and 49 other men sing aloud with you.
When we reached the Floating Platform, I was excited to be able to rehearse the full sequential run. When I stand on the Parade ground, the view was marvelous and overwhelming. I could not imagine thousands of spectators looking at us. The feeling was splendid. There were no other words to describe the feeling I was having. We headed back to the F1 Pit after our rehearsal. Just when I was about to go up to our gathering area, I saw plenty of people queuing up for Old Chang Kee, and to my surprise, they are giving away Dip 'n' Go. Even our Sir, Sir Justin went there to get himself a treat as well!
The dinner is even better! Every week, we were provided with either KFC or Pizza Hut. After our fantastic dinner, we heard back to the Floating Platform for our final rehearsal of the day. It was the same thing, except the lighting makes the Parade nicer and definitely more spectacular for the audience to see. Finally we ended our training for the day. While preparing to go home, we were given free goodie bags and snacks.
After several weeks of rehearsal, we have finally arrived to the final day, 9 August 2013! It is the day I was waiting for! All the effort and time I have put in is all for this major day. The last day was quite memorable. I took several photos with my new friends, and also my classmates who were involved in NDP as well. I managed to exchange contacts with my new friends too.
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| Everyone ready to march to the Floating Platform |
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| At Form Up Point |
When we reached the Floating Platform for the actual Parade, we helped each other to check on our Uniform bearings, making sure everything is of tip top standard. When the command for us to march in was given, I told myself "To serve my nation with pride and glory. I can do this!". We begin marching off and we were on live telecast. I am proud of my Nation and I believe everyone else will be proud of us.
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| We are on TV! |
Before we begin our City March, we had a short water break. It was an awesome feeling to be able to march around Marina Bay Sands. Many people started to take their cameras out and take photos of us. As we completed half of our final march, our Contingent Commander said to us "This is our final march back, treasure it, and make sure you perform to your fullest!". He was right. I really miss the time we march together and knowing it will be the last time, I make sure I perform to my standard and not screw up my marching. We chanted "1, 2, 3, 4, NCC! 4, 3, 2, 1, NDP!" in different dialects and languages with our loudest voice. I still remember when we reached the F1 Pit, our Contingent Commander gave us the final command to march on the spot and asked us to sing the last final cheer. Everybody led the cheer and we shouted till our throats begin to hurt. However, it is all worth it. Till now, I have not forget anything about NDP and I really hope I can participate in NDP again.
NDP'13
MANY STORIES, ONE SINGAPORE! HUAT AR!
To Serve with Pride and Dedication, NCC!
Written by: 3SG Edwin & 3SG Jia Jun