Each year on SAF Day, we remind ourselves that it falls on the SAF to protect Singapore's sovereignty and our way of life. We take on this duty willingly and with the full understanding that only when our country is secure, can there be peace, progress and prosperity for our people. We, within the SAF, shoulder this responsibility seriously and with utmost dedication.

To fulfil this mission, we pledge ourselves individually to be committed, well-trained and professional soldiers, to build the SAF into an effective fighting force able to deter all aggression and respond to a variety of missions. When called upon, we will serve with pride and honour, flying our Singapore flag proudly, as we did over this past year, whether in distributing masks during the haze, searching for the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 or relieving the humanitarian crisis following Typhoon Haiyan.

As servicemen and women, we are thankful for the strong support from the Government and the community for a strong defence force. We are encouraged by the acts of affirmation for our contributions from families, friends, employers, and all Singaporeans. These acts spur us to perform our duties to our best. But our motivation to defend Singapore comes from within - for duty, honour and country.

Over the past 49 years, through the dedication and service of every cohort of servicemen and women, we have built a strong and respected SAF. If we maintain this unwavering determination to defend our country, then our future will remain bright and secure. On this SAF Day, I thank all SAF personnel for your dedication and contributions in safeguarding our home and protecting our nation.

Dr Ng Eng Hen
Minister for Defence