Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a dinner for 70 participating organisations and 123 sponsors in recognition of their support and contributions towards the National Day Parade (NDP) 2013. During the dinner, certificates of appreciation were also presented by Dr Ng and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng. In his speech, Dr Ng thanked them for their efforts in making NDP 2013 a memorable success. He said, "I do not have to tell you it is a success because I know many of your families and friends would have told you so… They (the audience) felt connected to the various stories that you were able to tell through your performances. Extraordinary stories of ordinary Singaporeans. And many of them said it was their best NDP yet." 

This year's NDP theme, "Many Stories… One Singapore", encouraged all Singaporeans to come together to celebrate our experiences, values and aspirations as a nation. For the first time in NDP, the theme song was sung by 68 Singaporeans of different ages and from different backgrounds. They represented Singaporeans from all walks of life coming together to sing proudly in one voice to celebrate our nation's birthday. Sing A Nation was also a celebration of the diversity within our Singaporean society, held together by the common goal of building a better Singapore.

More than 100,000 spectators joined in the festivities at the Marina Bay Floating Platform and around the Marina Bay Waterfront this year.