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Synopsis :

This recording of the parade, held in the morning, to celebrate the first anniversary of Singapore's independence, is made off Radio, Channel I's live coverage. Claude Doral and Harry Crabb are the commentators. Claude Doral says 'today is our day, it belongs to the people of Singapore'. Waiting for the parade to begin, he gives listeners the scene setting - the people crowding in to the padang; scene at Bukit Timah - roads, buildings, shops, CC, houses - all dressed up; padang and vicinity - up to Connaught Drive, the sea and the ships,imposing buildings, Parliament House, Kallang Stadium; at padang standing to attention are uniform contingents, civilian groups including students; performing groups including youths, lions and dragons; VIPS on steps of City Hall, including cabinet minister, dignitaries, officials.
Claude Doral then continues with the arrival first of Dr Goh Keng Swee, Minister of Defence. Close behind him arrives PM Lee Kuan Yew, followed by DPM Dr Toh Chin Chye and other cabinet ministers. The parade commander calls for a general salute to welcome them all. Claude Doral tells listeners PM Lee is in a light blue shirt and grey trousers, and flanking him on left is Dr Goh and on right is Dr Toh.
He describes in details the contingents for the march past, including the guard-of-honour from the First Battalion; regimental band of SIR; the forces; People's Defence Forces with infantry formed in 1854 and Singapore Naval Volunteer Reserves; representatives of multi-racial people of Singapore; band of Port of Singapore Authority; Singapore Training Group.
At the stroke of 9am, President  Yusof Ishak, in military uniform, arrives. The traditional ceremony for the President begins with a salute to him;  striking up of the National Anthem; inspecting the guard-of-honour, escorted by Dr Goh; 21 gun salute in the background; President with Dr Goh in a landrover for a general review of the parade.
Claude Doral details the march past, with the guard-of-honour leading followed by the uniform contingents and various, such as the police band. He adds there is 'so much precision they look like machines and not humans'.

Harry Crabb takes over the commentary and at this point marching past are the voluntary organisations, mobile columns and traffic police in arrow formation forming 'like the map of Singapore'. He draws attention to the President wearing the sash of the Order of Temasek, the highest order in
Singapore. He also points out that Ministers - Jek Yeun Thong, Ong Pang Boon, Othman Wok - including Minister of State, Parliamentary Secretaries, MPs, march under People's Defence Force wearing its uniform. Next comes the bands of the various cadet corps followed by the army cadets, and police cadets.
Recording stops to continue on next tape.