'The rain made me feel proud'

TNP PICTURE: NG JUN SEN

He remembers standing proudly under the torrential rain during the 1968 National Day Parade (NDP).

Now, 44 years on, Mr Dhaarmalingam will be taking part in his second NDP in August.

The 63-year-old grandfather will represent the National Environment Agency in a 42-man civilian contingent at this year’s parade and joins more than 2,000 participants at The Float@Marina Bay.

Mr Dhaarmalingam was involved in the 1968 parade as a full-time national serviceman.

Yesterday, he told The New Paper: “It was unforgettable. The rain made me feel more proud to be part of the parade because all of us held our ground and stood firm.”