MINDEF and the SAF Celebrate Singapore's 49th Birthday

More than 2000 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) recited the National Pledge and sang the National Anthem, led by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the National Day Observance Ceremony held at MINDEF this morning to celebrate Singapore's 49th birthday.

During the ceremony, artistes from the SAF Music and Drama Company and children from Cherie Hearts @ Gombak put up a heart-warming performance in line with this year's National Day Parade theme, "Our People, Our Home". Staff and performers joined in to sing a medley of popular National Day songs during the ceremony. Six-year-old participant Leck Si Jia Chloe was excited to perform at the ceremony. She said proudly, "Singapore's Birthday is coming and I am happy to be part of the celebrations!"

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Major-General (NS) Ng Chee Khern, Service Chiefs and senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF. All SAF units, including overseas training detachments, will also be holding observance ceremonies to celebrate National Day.