Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the SAF Veterans League's 25th Anniversary Jubilee Dinner

Mr Ong Ye Kung, my colleague,
President of the SAF Veterans League, Brigadier-General (NS) Winston Toh,
Members of the SAF Veterans League,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

First, I would like to thank the various members, Polish Ambassador, British High Commissioner, President of the Veterans Association of Malaysian Armed Forces and Lieutenant-General (LG) (Ret) Winston for coming back to join us. I congratulate LG (Ret) Winston for his Distinguished Service Order during the National Day Awards investiture. If you have not had a chance, why don't you give him a clap? It was a much deserved award.

I would say for old timers, it has been a very good year. There were so many events, and we have seen each other so often this year - whether it was at the Istana, whether it was in the wonderful NDP that we had this year. I met some of you before this saying, "I hope it does not only happen once in 50 years", and I agree with you. But, let me first congratulate you on your 25th Anniversary of the Veterans League. This was one invitation which I very much wanted to attend to show my personal support for the Veterans League, because I believe there is a great store of value in our veterans. Let me elaborate why.

We celebrate SG50 this year, and indeed there were many good reasons to be thankful for what we have achieved. A string of events for our jubilee celebrations; a secure, peaceful, harmonious society that we Singaporeans and our families can build a home. But, I think many of you have said to each other and to me that even as we lauded our achievements, we all recognised that a new generation has risen and will take Singapore for better or for worse. Somebody asked before dinner, and we were arguing whether each of us will be around for SG100. I said, no. I don't think either of us will be around. And the truth is that a new generation will have to take it forward. Because the pioneer generation, and even the baby boomers generation, are now or soon will be in their silver years.

And I believe, looking forward that every generation, in all countries, whether that society is strong, or whether their economy is successful, how cultivated and gracious their people of that nation are, depends on the values that the society adopts. We spend a lot of time trying to have good National Education programmes, but I have always believed that values are "better caught than taught". You only need to look at our family traditions to appreciate this timetested aphorism. Look at how in Singapore, different ethnic groups adopt different customs that their elders have handed down over generations.

So, the most powerful conduit to transmit values are people. People like you, who share your experiences, as you saw in the video. Experiences that are as vivid today in your minds as if it occurred yesterday. So, while seeing the video, I told BG (NS) Winston Toh, who was sitting next to me, that it was very easy for you all to make it, because when somebody asked you the question, you may or not realise it, but you are really seeing visual memories in your mind. Some even hear the memories and smell the forests, whether it was Sebatik Island or the jungles of Kota Tinggi during the Confrontation. And if you talked to many of you who started the units, who were pioneers in the SAF units. You have that same experience.

And that is why, to ensure that the next generation of SAF soldiers - whether they be NS or Regulars - understand the world we live in, and why it is crucial to be able to defend Singapore, we need you as veterans to tell your story. What you have gone through, what you believe, why, spoken in your own words, can have enormous impact on our young. And that is why we have asked many of you to come back and tell your stories to NSmen.

This year, when we set up the Konfrontasi memorial at Dhoby Ghaut Lawn, opposite MacDonald House - for the many veterans attending it, it was not just another ceremony, but one that brought back visual memories to them, of some suffering and buddies that they lost. The memorial reminds us of our pioneers who sacrificed much, for some including their lives, for Singapore. We remember and honour their sacrifice, are inspired by their indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to Singapore. We need veterans to inspire future generations to fight for our country. As Mr Lee Kuan Yew said in 1967: "In the end, every boy and girl here will understand what he or she has in Singapore, he or she must be prepared to fight for and defend. Otherwise it will be lost."

The actions and examples of veterans can set this national mood, as indeed, this year, during the National Day Parade. When the veterans’ column came out, people spontaneously stood up and applauded them. Of all ages, knowing that these people, some in their 80s, who practiced for hours under the blazing sun, spent many months training, there must be a deep conviction, a reason why they were doing what they were doing when they were in their 70s or 80s. It was a spectacular sight, and I think (it) set the mood for the National Day Parade, which, we received many good comments. And I think, one of the reasons was because the veterans came out in force

What makes us believe, despite all that we say, that the young among us will listen to your stories? Let me share just two responses. One, a student from Juying Secondary, and he had this to say after a session with one of you: "We must try our best to defend (Singapore) because it is important to us. At least if we defend Singapore and die, we would not have died in vain. We mustn't disappoint our forefathers who built and formed Singapore with blood, sweat and tears". I don't know which of you had this impact on this young man, but for him to say those words, you must have made a great impact. A Specialist Cadet had this to say: "The fact that the Ambassador was a former military commander made his sharing easier to relate to. The experience felt more real and organic especially when he shared the little details." In this particular session, you impressed on this Specialist Cadet so much that he could visualise what you related.

So, I charge all veterans here, and in our society - keep telling your stories, and Singapore will be strong for another generation. I wish all of you good health and happiness in your golden years.

Thank you very much.