ONE HIGHLIGHT of every National Day Parade (NDP) is our PAP/PCF marching contingent flying their flag high. Petir continues our oral history featuring four longtime PCF marchers, Salmah binte Sujak (Jalan Kayu Branch), Peter Tay (Paya Lebar Branch), Lee Loo Loo (Yew Tee Branch) and Uncle Tan Cheow Aik (Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Branch). We find out just what they do once NDP is over, and their hopes for Singaporeans.
(These oral history interviews have been edited for clarity.)
From left: Peter Tay, Lee Loo Loo, Tan Cheow Aik and Salmah binte Sujak
Petir: What do you do when the Parade is over?
Peter Tay: We go makan-makan lor. At the food court. It’s important that after every performances we make a bit of time for us. Go down to the food court, chit-chat. Talk a bit about your feeling. “Eh, how how, just now we march?” It brings us closer. In that training, we all march 同手同脚 [in unison]. It’s important for us, the older ones, to make the newcomers feel welcome.
Lee Loo Loo: We have an Appreciation Lunch. After the Appreciation Lunch, we get together, a few of us, for an outing somewhere out of Singapore. Then after six months, we contact each other again. “Eh! Better sign up for NDP again!” Also, we need more youngsters to be in NDP; we need more younger brothers, sisters to join in.
Salmah binte Sujak: I continue writing my book about past NDPs as a hobby. About also the first year we became independent, 1965 parade. We’re very good as citizens in Singapore. Whenever we have a crisis or problem, we upgrade Singapore.
Petir: Any good lessons to share from past parades?
Loo Loo: Your legs get itchy when there’s no marching! During the COVID time, there was no marching. So when Singapore started to open up, we started training again. We needed to warm up a few sessions, then we can go on smoothly.
Uncle Tan: (in Mandarin) 2015 was a special parade. We celebrated SG50 and remembered Mr Lee Kuan Yew one year after his passing. He contributed a lot, so that we can have Singapore today. I thought of that while marching. My fellow marchers also felt that bittersweetness.
The whole country also felt it. Even now I get sad. 10 years!
I will always have heartfelt gratitude for Mr Lee in building Singapore. He was an excellent model for us. He always made it possible for Singaporeans to chase our dreams.
Salmah: Just do what we can do, what we can help. Even we do something that is hard, we just carry on. Because when you are doing volunteer work, you cannot choose what you want — just do it. We are like a family, take care of each other. This sibling not enough time to help, so we help. So still balanced. So everyone is happy, we are in a family. So in the branch they all feel like my sisters and brothers.
Petir: What do you wish for Singaporeans?
Peter: Going forward, the whole country must come together as one united nation. As one united people. Because the world is not going to wait for you. Nothing is going to stay constant. All these changes around you will impact your life. My children’s lives. So stay focused. Have trust and have faith in the leadership.
Uncle Tan: (in Mandarin) When times are good, the NDP celebrates our nation’s achievements. And our optimism for the future.
When times are difficult, we will still have the NDP. It shows that we can overcome all obstacles. We can show our resilience in times of difficulty, together as one united people.
Salmah: Our kids are the future of Singapore. We must have ambition — what do you need to do for your future? What type of job? Something better for your life and your family, your kids.
We must also be multi-racial. Together. Even if different religion, or different language, or whatever. All still part of our colleagues, or family, or brother and sister.
We don’t say that “Oh you are different.”. No. Doesn’t matter. Because one breath is all the human, it’s called. For me, it’s all the same because one breath is all the human, it’s called. So for me, all my sisters, brothers are here.
