It's finally showtime. After many days of tiring rehearsals, 'burnt' leave and off days, many 'NG' attempts at what i would call military stunts, constant polishing of boots and bayonets, cleaning of weapons and ironing of parae uniform... Gentlemen, this is IT!We spent the night before the parade in camp, so as to facilitate the morning rehearsal and final run of the parade sequence. I can see that everyone had put in lots of effort and are determined to make this parade a good one to remember.
At 6.30am, everyone was gathered at the battalion parade square, ready for the morning rehearsal. Probably due to the previous day's fatique and the lack of sleep, it started off sluggish. But what really impressed me was that the regular specialists and CSMs were with us all the way from the 1st reheasal till the final run. Kudos to them. I'm really so touched by their commitement. By 8.00 am, we were all formed up for the uniform inspection and final touch-up. It's a first for many as not many specialists in the Army actually get to don the No. 1 dress, which is usually reserved for state ceremonies or to receive foreign dignitaries. At 8.45am sharp, the parade RSM marched onto the parade square and gave the command for the parade contigent to form up. As we marched to the drumbeat of the military fanfare, there was a subtle nervousness and excitement that kept our heartbeats racing and the butterflies fluttering in our guts. Somehow, the actual parade just turns out to be our best attempt. Everything just flowed so smoothly. The tempo was right, the placing and spacing were right, everyone marked time to the exact beat. Just perfect.
Once the parade was formed up, the parade sequence was handed over to the parade commander. The reviewing officers and VIPs began to arrive one by one. It was then followed by a presentation of arms upon the arrival of CO, and another time for the arrival of Brigade Commander.
The parade commander then invited CO to review the parade. Now here's the interesting part. Along with the military fanfare, the inspection was accompanied by a '21-Gun Salute' simulated by thunderflashes. It was followed by the recitation of the Army Specialists' Creed.
That was followed by the next highlight of the parade: the Fire of Joy, just like during the National Day Parade (Well, maybe the execution was a little poor, but the idea was there...) But it feels like as if it was NDP.
Once permission was sought & granted, the parade then proceeded to prepare for the ceremonial march-past.
To cap off the wonderfully cheorographed parade, we ended off with a slow march to the tune of 'Auld Lang Syne' while the principal staff officers and officer commanding of the respective companies sent off the specialists with a military hand salute.
The post parade festivities and photo taking was a scene of joy and excitement. Espirit d' Corp is how i would describe the feeling. ORD Loh~!
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