SINGAPORE – The Republic marked its 56th year since independence with a scaled-down ceremonial parade comprising 600 uniformed participants at the Marina Bay floating platform on Monday (Aug 9).

Another 200 people from nine youth uniformed groups and 12 social and economic organisations joined virtually in pre-recorded segments, in a first for a National Day parade.

Proceedings unfolded with the usual military precision, with strict safety and crowd control measures. This was the second year the parade has been held amid the Covid-19 pandemic.