Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen led over 2,500 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel to recite the National Pledge and sing the National Anthem this morning during MINDEF's National Day Observance Ceremony. The ceremony at MINDEF was held to celebrate Singapore's 51st 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, "Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow". Staff and performers also joined in to sing a medley of popular National Day songs. Five-year-old participant Zi Yun was excited to perform at the ceremony. She said excitedly, "I like to celebrate Singapore's birthday because it is my country!"

Also present at the ceremony were Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Mr Ng Chee Khern, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han 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.