The Colours are made up of 36 regimental colors, the four state colors, and the five guard of honor contingents. The colors were originally military flags that were a means of identification in battle.
In the past, when colors were carried on active service, they stood as a rallying point and the scene of their last stand. Because of their importance, capturing an enemy's colors was considered a great honor, while losing one's colors was a severe humiliation. Hence, a group of soldiers, the colors party, was assigned to protect the colors whenever they were brought into battle.
Today, the significance of colors is more symbolic in nature. They are the embodiment of the institution's history, honor, and tradition.
What are the Colours / Uncasing of Colours?
In today's context, the Singapore Armed Forces colors are meant to instill pride and loyalty in soldiers. Each of the colours or flags carry the emblems of the state and individual regiments. The regimental colours are conferred upon units and formations that have attained operational capability or made commendable achievements.
Colours are awarded for achievement in the fields of combat, training, administration, efficiency, and service to the community. The colors party bears the badges that commemorate the achievements of the regiment and symbolize the pride, honor, and loyalty of the men and women in the unit. Colors are awarded the highest honors and compliments and instill pride and loyalty in soldiers.
Before the Colours Party marches out onto the stage at the National Day Parade, this is what goes on behind the scenes as the State and Regimental Colours are uncased at a solemn ceremony.
The Colours are consecrated before use and are usually only paraded on significant and auspicious occasions. In the SAF, Colours are awarded to units in commemoration of their achievements in the field of combat, training, administrative efficiency and service to the community. They also help to promote cohesion, esprit de corps and instil in the men of the unit a sense of pride and loyalty.