SAF Day is a time to renew our pledge and commitment to defend and safeguard the security of our nation. It is also an appropriate occasion this year to reflect on how far we have come as a tribute to the man whose ideas and foresight laid a solid foundation for the SAF. The lasting legacy of the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, our first Defence Minister, is not just in the institutions he established but in the values he imparted to future generations. The ability to make tough decisions and fighting spirit were some of the attributes that Dr Goh demanded from the men and women of the SAF. These qualities are as critical and relevant in today's complex and uncertain security landscape.

To meet these challenges, the SAF has to maintain a high state of operational readiness through realistic and tough training; deploy for challenging missions sometimes in far away places to protect Singapore and Singaporeans; and develop, grasp and master new capabilities and fighting concepts for the 3rd Generation SAF. These responsibilities constantly test the mettle of the men and women of the SAF to the fullest. They require us to be both physically and mentally tough, the same attributes that Dr Goh demanded from the SAF 46 years ago. How strong the SAF is depends on the calibre, attitude, sense of commitment and fighting spirit of each and every one of you, whether you serve in the Army, Navy or Air Force, whether you are regulars or national servicemen. During my visits to training exercises, I have seen the energy and enthusiasm of our servicemen, and their willingness to try new ideas and to learn.

From my visits to SAF servicemen deployed on operations, I have seen their toughness and strength, and their confidence and commitment - not just from our regulars, but also from our national servicemen who have volunteered to deploy for these challenging missions to unfamiliar lands, under tough operational conditions, taking them away from loved ones and family. Our servicemen draw their strength from their camaraderie with their fellow servicemen, and also from the support and encouragement that they receive from family, friends and employers. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank each of you for your service and commitment, and your families and employers for their support. As we commemorate SAF Day, let us build on Dr Goh's legacy - to ensure that we have a strong and capable SAF that is tough and ready to fight on to ultimate victory. A strong SAF is the most dependable guarantee of our independence to ensure that our families and future generations of Singaporeans can continue to live in peace and decide our own future.