Recently during a visit to Singapore, I had the opportunity to witness the nation's celebration of its 43rd birthday. Each year on National Day, Singapore "celebrates its achievements, progress, challenges, and hope to seize opportunities in the future." This year, I was one of some 27,000 people who received special tickets and poured into the city's Esplanade waterfront to join 7,300 performers in the festivities.
The location—right on Marina Bay where a three-tiered stage on a floating platform provided a three-dimensional view for the spectators—was breathtaking. Even when the rain began to fall on the spectators seated in the open gallery, their enthusiasm and excitement were not dampened.
Against the backdrop of Singapore's magnificent skyline, the night came alive with a spectacular aerial display by elite paragliders and aerobatic jets above Marina Bay. The event's parade, themed "Celebrating the Singapore Spirit," was anchored on the nation's five pillars of total defense (military, civil, economic, social, and psychological) and showcased the spirit of unity, determination, and dynamism. Men and women in uniform executed drills and maneuvers, displaying their discipline and excellence.
In recognition of a new generation growing up in a digital world, the celebration's logo "symbolized children reaching for the stars, striving for excellence, determined to succeed and confident of a brighter future." Children were portrayed dancing in step with one another to demonstrate unity and graciousness. Further, the logo radiated vibrancy and dynamism, inspiring all Singaporeans to shine.
I was struck by the comprehensive focus on people as the nation's major resource. The combined schools choir celebrated unity among the nation's multiethnic youth through songs in the nation's four languages. Diverse dancers portrayed the significance of the national movement focused on healthy living for all Singaporeans. In the spirit of inclusiveness, wheelchair dancers also inspired the spectators with their boundless energy, precision, and determination.
Throughout the show, the intent was never in doubt—to "inspire everyone to strive to excel in all they do, and to take pride in being Singaporean." All Singaporeans were encouraged to join in the "search for new horizons (conjuring a spirit of adventure and curiosity); to sense new perspectives (dancers turned the stage into a kaleidoscope party of creativity, radiating Singaporeans' innovativeness); to spring to new possibilities (honoring Singapore's boldness in daring to be different in realizing its dreams); and to shine for Singapore (illuminating each Singaporean's hopes and dreams)."
In the finale, 43 Singaporean families representing different backgrounds, each spanning three generations, joined the performers on stage to sing a medley of songs and recite the nation's pledge.
Those in attendance, Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans alike, left the celebration infused with a deepened sense of nation-building stimulated by the creativity, innovativeness, and boldness of all the people. The spectators were swept away by the celebration.
During this national celebration, I was particularly impressed by the recurrent themes of diversity, inclusiveness, and unity. These are concepts with which educators grapple in our classrooms, schools, and school districts. If it is possible for a country to inspire such verve in its people, imagine the possibilities of our reach and potential in our much smaller realms.