[That's the Singapore spirit]
This year will be 18-year-old Natalie Lim's second involvement in the NDP. The second year Diploma in Nursing student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic signed up for her stint through Heartware Network - a youth volunteer organisation.

Natalie Lim

As an NDP usher, Natalie's role is to ensure that guests and spectators at the parade are seated at the corrct sector. She will also pay special attention to elderly spectators by guiding and assisting them to the lift among her other duties.

Stationed along the road outside The Float@Marina Bay is CPL Lee Wei from 30th Battalion Singapore Combat Engineers. His duty is to ensure that only pass holders enter restricted zones of the parade grounds. CPL Lee also assists with the barricade arrangements along the road.

CPL Lee Wei

Just a stone's throw away an officer from 1st Battalion Singapore Guards holds his ground. 2LT Anwar - the quick reaction force commander - has to deal with unplanned scenarios if they happen and will keep pedestrians in check while the vehicles in the Dynamic Defence Display drive towards The Float. The safety of pedestrians is his utmost importance - especially if they attempt to get close to those machines.

2LT Anwar

Come 9 August do recognise these individuals and their peers for their efforts when you see them. They have sacrificed time and energy, week after week, to prepare for the nation's 46th birthday and are a testament to the Singapore spirit.