Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How at the Launch of the Army 55 Virtual Exhibition

Fellow Singaporeans,

Members of Our Army Family,

Good Afternoon.

Introduction

I am very happy to be here today, in this virtual exhibition hall, to commemorate the 55^th anniversary of our Army and to launch the Army 55 Virtual Exhibition. I am also very glad that despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we are still able to come together and celebrate this important milestone as one Army Family, and bring the Army virtually to Singaporeans.

History and Achievements

The Singapore Army has come a long way from its modest beginnings.

From two Infantry Battalions when Singapore became independent, we built up a Citizen Army through National Service (NS). Our Army grew from an infantry-based force in the first generation to a "combined-arms" Army in the second generation. The 3^rd Generation Army of today is a networked force enabled by precision information, manoeuvre and firepower. It is Ready and Decisive, able to conduct a full-spectrum of operations from peace to war, to secure Singapore's peace and security.

Over the past 55 years, Our Army has given strength and confidence to Singapore and Singaporeans, especially in times of crisis. This enduring commitment was exemplified most recently in our national fight against COVID-19. In our nation's time of need, our Army answered the call of duty. Over 5,000 Army personnel, active and NS, stepped forward to contribute to the fight and made a difference - in supporting our healthcare system; in contact tracing and in containing community infections; in taking care of our migrant workers and enabling resumption of essential services. Our soldiers embodied the Army spirit - a strong sense of mission, and unwavering commitment. I would like to say a big 'Thank You' to our soldiers for your contributions, in keeping Singaporean safe and Singapore strong.

Our Army Family

Our Army is strong because of the commitment of our soldiers, and the public support for NS and our national defence. This year, we are commemorating Army 55 with the theme 'Our Army Family'. It celebrates the strong bonds and brotherhood amongst soldiers serving in our Army. At the same time, it reminds us that as a citizen Army, our Army thrives on public and family support. When we enlist a soldier, we enlist his whole family. When our Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) turn up for ICT, they do so with the understanding of their families and employers.

Indeed, there is a soldier in every Singaporean family - sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. Our families are both our pillar of support, but also the reason why we serve and defend. We see this when family members send our soldiers off for BMT, and celebrate with them at graduation and milestone parades; we see that when loved ones write letters to encourage our soldiers, or to welcome them home after training and overseas exercises; we see that when spouses, family and colleagues go the extra mile to enable our NSmen to join their ICTs.

Army 55 is a time for us to celebrate and appreciate the soldier in every family, and the strength we draw from our Army family. This virtual exhibition will honour our soldiers and those who support them. It will tell the stories of our soldiers through their eyes, and bring their families

closer to their journey in our Army. It will also allow our soldiers to participate in activities with their loved ones, and celebrate our common bonds as one Army family.

Conclusion

I welcome all of you to join us at the virtual exhibition. On behalf of our Army, let me once again thank all our soldiers, past and present, for your dedication, commitment and sacrifices made towards our Army over the past 55 years, in service of our national defence. I would also like to express my appreciation to every member of our Army family, for your continued support towards our soldiers and our Army.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy this virtual exhibition.

More Resources

Celebrating 55 Years Of The Singapore Army's Commitment And Dedication To Singapore's Defence

Fact Sheet: Celebrating 55 Years of Our Army: #OurArmyFamily Army 55 Virtual Exhibition

Infographic: Army55: #OurArmyFamily Virtual Exhibition 2020