NDP 2024: Behind the scenes at the parade | In pictures
Rounds being fired from a 25-pounder gun on the Mobility 3rd Generation (M3G) raft as part of the Presidential Gun Salute. (Photo: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)
SINGAPORE: In the weeks leading up to National Day, glimpses of the big parade are everywhere - from fighter jets soaring through the skies and contingents marching at the Padang, to a raft of 25-pounder guns sailing past Marina Bay visitors for the presidential gun salute.
Ahead of the preview shows, CNA visual journalist Marcus Mark Ramos got a behind-the-scenes look at the parade and ceremony, starting from the preparations for the presidential gun salute that begin at daybreak.
Meanwhile, back at the Padang, the various contingents are practising their formations for the parade and ceremony.
As evening falls, the M3G raft begins its sail-past with this visual journalist on board.
It's billed as the longest sail-past in Marina Basin to date, covering a distance of 5.87km, and passing the Singapore Flyer, ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands and the Promontory, before reaching the firing point near the Esplanade.
The 21-gun salute is the highest military honour, reserved only for the President - in this case, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who will be attending his first National Day Parade as head of state.
The salute will be timed to match Mr Tharman's inspection of parade contingents at the Padang.
