Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Yeong Chee Meng is this year's Parade Commander.

As Parade Commander, he'll be leading the contingents to march pass our President and for the first time in 14 years, all the contingents will have the honour of marching pass him.


It isn't being easy, being the Parade Commander. LTC Yeong has to juggle work commitments, family commitments and even the numerous NDP commitments! Besides, he has to lead the numerous contingents by example, executing drills competently and continuously.

For people who can't march well (aka me), it's amazing to watch him march and shout commands so authoritatively.



--------------------


Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Devendran would be this year's Parade Sergeant Major.

As Parade Sergeant Major, it's tiring, draining and exhausting to clock countless hours rehearsing drills and marching.

It's also tiring, draining and exhausting to keep encouraging the numerous contingents to put their best foot forward during the seemingly infinite counts of rehearsals.


But, MWO Devendran takes all this in his stride. To him, being the parade sergeant major's a great honour, an opportunity that he relishes, enjoys.

It's a challenge too, but one we're sure that he can overcome with ease.

After all, Singapore would always be the 'home' in his heart, a place that he'd willingly serve and defend.



--------------------

Behind every glamourous front, there lies hours of preparations, hours of unyielding efforts. These officers had spent, are spending and will still be spending hours to perfect their drills and train with their fellow comrades.

Only people who truly watched them train can understand the discomfort of marching under the scorching sun for hours...

Really appreciated the efforts that they are putting in for our nation, yup, keep it up! =D

Looking forward to the parade on 0809!

(P.S. click on the photos above to view the Flickr albums!)