SINGAPORE, July 10 — This National Day, the Proclamation of Independence read by the late founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew will be heard throughout the nation at grassroots-led National Day Observance Ceremonies (NDOCs) and over all local TV and radio channels.

The recording by the late Lee will be aired at 9am on August 9.

The broadcast will be preceded by the sounding of sirens across Singapore at 8.59am, the People’s Association (PA) said in a media release today (July 10).

Ang Hak Seng, chief executive director of PA, said: “The Proclamation of Independence in 1965 marked the birth of our nation. The reading of this Proclamation by our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew will remind us of the core values that our pioneers embodied, such as community resilience, racial harmony, determination to overcome the odds and placing community above self.”

The original reading of the Proclamation of Independence back in 1965 was actually read by an announcer from Radio Singapore, although it was issued in Lee Kuan Yew’s name.

Three years ago, a reading of the proclamation by the late Lee himself was recorded. So come August 9, Singaporeans will be able to hear for the first time ever, the man who signed the Proclamation read Singapore’s founding document.

All households will receive a Proclamation of Independence Card in their SG Funpacks, which will carry the text of the reading that residents will hear across the nation on August 9.

After the reading, residents at 82 NDOCs across the island will be led by grassroots organisations in singing the National Anthem and reciting of the Pledge.

To enhance the experience of residents and set the mood, many of the NDOCs will recreate the scenes of the past, through the inclusion of nostalgic elements such as popular food and game stalls, music and decorations from the early days of independent Singapore.

The PA said this year will also be the first time every NDOC across Singapore will be held simultaneously. More than 500,000 residents will participate in the NDOCs in over 200 locations islandwide, which comprises 82 grassroots-led NDOCs and others led by PA’s corporate and community partners.

Ang said: “Our young grassroots volunteers shared that these values have brought Singapore to where we are today, and can continue to inspire their fellow youths as they take Singapore on our first step towards SG100. This is why many of the GROs are recreating the 1965 moment and nostalgic backdrops at the NDOCs this year.

“We encourage all residents to join us at the NDOCs to experience these first-hand.” ― Today