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The 21-Gun Salute was inherited from the
British. The 25-Pounder guns used at every
parade also came from the British. These guns
have been around since before Singapore
gained her independence and are believed to
date back to World War II. Six of these
cannons will be used and six men to handle
each gun. Only the team member does the
actual firing. What is more complicated is that Fire of joy
each shot must be timed perfectly to match the
President’s progress as he inspects the parade.
TROOPING OF COLOURS

FEU-DE-JOIE (FIRE OF JOY) Trooping of Colours has been traced to the
days of the early mercenaries when men were

taught to use their flag as a rallying point in
the battle. Trooping the Colours before a

battle assured that soldiers would recognise
Fire of Joy Video
them.

The Feu-de-Joie (French origin)
symbolically portrays the sense of joy and
festivity of the occasion.

Originated in a demonstration of a new
weapon before Queen Elizabeth I to show its Trooping of Colours is often performed
effectiveness, reliability and handiness. On during unit’s anniversary parade and SAF
th
9 August every year as Singapore celebrates Day Parade, especially so when a Colours is
her National Day, the Feu-de-Joie is most newly presented after consecration.
appropriately fired by the Guard of Honour
mounted by the Army, Navy, Air Force and RETREAT
Police Contingents firing three shots in The bugle call sounded at retreat was first
succession of ranks from all four contingents used in the French Army and dates to the
respectively.
Crusades. When you hear it, you are listening
to a beautiful melody that has come to
symbolise the finest qualities of the soldiers of
nearly 900 years ago. The retreat has always
been at sunset and its purpose was to notify
the sentries to start challenging until sunrise,
and to tell the rank and file to go to their
quarters and remain there.