SGT Mohamed Firdose found pride and motivation as he stepped into the nation’s spotlight at the National Day Parade.
Growing up, the rhythmic drumbeats, vibrant colours and clockwork precision of the marching contingents were Firdose’s favourite parts of the National Day Parade (NDP).
“The march-past by the contingents, the state flag fly-past, the salute to the nation and the Guard of Honour — all these elements came together to create a powerful display of national pride, military strength and community spirit,” recalls Firdose fondly. He adds that the 2015 NDP, which marked Singapore’s 50th year of independence, was especially memorable with its elaborate displays and celebrations.
This year, the 24-year-old full-time national serviceman — who serves as a Navigation Specialist with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Marine Division — had the chance to be part of the event that captivated his childhood imagination: Marching in the NDP as a member of the SCDF contingent.
For Firdose, participating in the parade was an opportunity for him and his fellow SCDF officers to showcase their hard work and be a part of the grand celebration. “The sense of pride and connections that we made with the audience and fellow participants were incredibly rewarding,” he shares.
Firdose’s primary role in the SCDF — navigating and responding to emergencies at sea is no walk in the park, as the maritime environment is highly dynamic. Rehearsing for the NDP presented its own set of challenges, involving long hours of drills under the sun, in which the same drills were repeated numerous times to ensure flawless execution under pressure.
“Rehearsals for the NDP were intense and demanding, with numerous practices to ensure that everything ran smoothly. I found the experience to be both challenging and exhilarating,” he explains.
The sweltering heat during training was not to be taken lightly. As the organiser, the SAF used water-spraying cans to cool the participants down and scheduled frequent water breaks. The weather conditions also tested the participants’ adaptability. “Many people might not know that we often had to deal with unpredictable weather during rehearsals, which may require changes to original plans,” Firdose shares.
Despite the tough rehearsals, Firdose found joy in the camaraderie and positive spirit among the participants. As the rehearsals and National Education shows progressed, his sense of excitement and anticipation grew. “I was naturally excited, as it is an honour to represent the SCDF and Singapore in such a significant event. At the same time, I felt tense due to the high expectations and the desire to perform flawlessly,” Firdose elaborates.
On National Day itself, Firdose was able to cast aside the nervousness and fully embrace the moment. “As we marched out and saw the crowd, we knew that the nation was watching. The feeling of pride was overwhelming,” he recalls. “I will always remember the instant when we marched past the grandstand and heard the crowd’s cheers. The sense of national unity and joy in that moment was indescribable.”
Firdose adds, “Seeing everyone come together to celebrate this special moment made all the hard work and long hours of rehearsals worthwhile. It was a powerful reminder that everyone plays an important part for our nation.”
The exhilaration of marching in the NDP may be behind him for now, but Firdose continues to draw on the experience for inspiration and motivation. “Participating in the NDP taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork and the importance of small details,” he says, noting that one key lesson was the importance of precision and timing, which he relates well to his SCDF duties.
“Whether it’s coordinating with a team during an emergency or ensuring that equipment is in perfect working order, the attention to detail and teamwork emphasised during the NDP training have been invaluable,” he adds.
On a personal level, he credits the experience with developing his resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure — while also deepening his sense of national pride. “It’s a reminder that our daily duties in the SCDF are part of a larger mission to keep the nation safe,” he says. “It also made me realise how our roles contribute to the greater good. This has strengthened my commitment to my daily duties in SCDF.”
Reflecting on his NDP journey, Firdose has some valuable advice for future participants: “Hydration and rest are key — don’t underestimate how physically demanding the rehearsals can be. Stay focused and take each rehearsal seriously, but also remember to enjoy the process. It’s a unique experience that not everyone gets to be a part of, so take pride in your role and support your teammates.”
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