While the Red Lions are usually a highlight of any National Day Parade (NDP), most Singaporeans will only get to see them looking up from the ground.
A Red Lion has shared the stunning sights he sees on a jump, giving viewers a tiny glimpse of what it’s like being on the other side.
The videos were shared on Instagram by Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Neo Choon Chea, who oversees the Red Lions training as Team Lead.
In his profile, he humbly describes himself as “an average Singaporean son who was (and still a little) scared of heights”.
Viewers wouldn’t have thought so when seeing his first clip, posted on 28 July after the first NDP Preview, which shows the Red Lions posing as they each take a heart-stopping leap from a C-130 transport aircraft.
After he makes his own jump, we get a breathtaking view of Singapore that only a select few have seen.
He also looks up to gaze at the safety of the aircraft receding into the distance.
The last thing depicted are the straps of the parachute that thankfully opens as he gets a little too close to the ground for comfort.
LTC Neo’s second video, which was posted on Wednesday (7 Aug), shows what a netizen had earlier requested — the base and final leg before landing at the Padang.
Just two days before he would be doing it at the actual parade, he gave viewers a taste of something only a Red Lion can experience — what it feels like to touch down in the middle of an NDP.
As he makes his final approach towards the Padang, the sense of euphoria can be felt as he gets greeted by thousands of excited Singaporeans while flying above their heads.
After he touches down successfully, he makes a heart sign with his hands as another Red Lion comrade approaches.
LTC Neo said in his caption that he cannot wait to see Singaporeans at the Padang on National Day.
Netizens praised his jump, with one saying it was “flawless” and he, like many Singaporeans, were looking forward to the show.
Others also felt that he and the other Red Lions were “cool”.
One even said that the clips gave her the goosebumps “in a good way”.
Indeed, the video seemed to have struck a chord with many Singaporeans as one said it stirred national pride in her.
Also read: ‘Paddle Pop’ clouds charm audiences during Red Lions display at NDP Preview on 3 Aug
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Ng Eng Hen on Facebook and @mr.neo.cc on Instagram.
Some also said it was Wukong riding his cloud.
The police have determined the suspect’s age to be between 30 and 50 years.
Three other pedestrians stopped to yield to the car as it approached the roundabout.
He was also charged with driving without a valid licence, among other traffic offences.
She offered RM50 the first time, then S$50.
"This incident could have happened anywhere," said a local politician.