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President Nathan Joins SAF Personnel in Commemorating SAF Day
1 July 2011
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated SAF Day at a parade officiated by President S R Nathan at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. More than 1500 SAF regulars, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time National Servicemen attended the parade.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated SAF Day at a parade officiated by President S R Nathan at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. More than 1500 SAF regulars, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time National Servicemen attended the parade. Also present at the parade were Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong led SAF personnel in reciting the SAF pledge to reaffirm their loyalty to the nation and their commitment to the defence of Singapore. A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of SAF personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
President Nathan presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit, the 1st Commando Battalion as well as new regimental colours to the five operational commands of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). A Trooping of Colours ceremony was conducted to commission the five new regimental colours, marking a significant milestone in the RSAF's transformation journey. Dr Ng presented the Best Unit and Best NS Unit awards to 23 SAF units. At a post-parade reception, Dr Ng also presented the SAF NSman of the Year awards to 15 NSmen.
Earlier today, more than 850 NSmen from 188 companies and their employers gathered for the SAF Day combined rededication ceremonies held at four locations around Singapore to reaffirm their commitment to the defence of Singapore. Dr Ng officiated at the rededication ceremony held at NTUC Centre, where he delivered the SAF Day message to remind all Singaporeans on the importance of a strong and capable SAF. He said, "Every SAF Day, citizens remind themselves of this commitment to their own defence while the SAF reaffirms its pledge of loyalty and dedication to the nation. It is through this continual commitment from its people that we have built a capable SAF that functions effectively as an integrated and potent force." Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran, Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong and Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Lui Tuck Yew officiated at the other three rededication ceremonies held at Temasek Polytechnic, ITE College West and Mapletree Business City respectively.
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