The SDP's Hong Lim Park Countdown on the New Year Eve was a time of celebration and a moment of reflection of what went on in year 2008 and what's in store the next.
The event began with a simple dinner of hot dogs and chips served by the SDP members and Friends of SDP. Year 2008 could not pass without remembering the passing away of a friend and loyal servant of this nation, the late Joshua Benjamin Jeyaretnam (JBJ). There was a New Year's Wish Board where people wrote and posted their wishes and resolutions for 2009. Freedom songs as well as songs of tribute to JBJ. There was also a giant candlelight display with the words "Free Singapore" visible from the higher floor of the nearby Furama Hotel.
The event finished with a countdown to 2009 and ushered in the New Year with lots of light sticks and more songs.