National Day in Singapore is an annual celebration held on August 9 to commemorate the island nation's independence from Malaysia in 1965. However, the 2020 celebration was notably different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, Singapore celebrated its 55th year of independence under the theme "Together, A Stronger Singapore," reflecting the nation's collective efforts and resilience in fighting the pandemic. The National Day Parade (NDP), usually a large-scale event at the Marina Bay floating platform or the Padang, was adapted to fit the constraints of the pandemic.

The celebrations were divided into two parts: a morning segment and an evening one. The morning segment, "The Parade," was held at the Padang, a historical site where the first NDP took place in 1966. However, it was a smaller-scale event compared to previous years, featuring a ceremonial parade with various contingents, a mobile column of military and homefront security assets, and a Red Lions parachute display. The number of participants and spectators was significantly reduced to comply with social distancing guidelines.

The evening segment, "The Show," took place at The Star Performing Arts Centre. Instead of a live audience, the show was broadcasted live, allowing Singaporeans to partake in the celebrations from the comfort and safety of their homes. This segment featured a combination of live and pre-recorded performances by local artists, showcasing the multi-cultural fabric of Singapore's society.

One of the highlights of the 2020 National Day was the island-wide mobile column, where military and essential service vehicles traveled around different parts of Singapore. This allowed more people to witness the parade segment without gathering in large numbers. The RSAF also performed the iconic State Flag Flypast, while the Red Lions parachutists landed at different heartland locations.

Furthermore, the annual fireworks, a highlight of the NDP, were set off at various locations across the island, ensuring more Singaporeans could view them from their homes.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Singapore's National Day in 2020 highlighted the nation's resilience and ability to adapt to unprecedented circumstances. It served as a reminder that despite the trials and tribulations, the spirit of unity, resilience, and forward-looking optimism remains strong among Singaporeans.