Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented two artillery shell casings fired during the State Funeral Procession of Founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Singapore Army at SAFTI Military Institute today. Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Perry Lim and Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) Melvyn Ong received the casings on behalf of the SAF and the Singapore Army respectively. Also present at the ceremony were Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Lai Chung Han, incoming Chief of Air Force Brigadier-General (BG) Mervyn Tan, senior MINDEF and SAF officers, personnel involved in the State Funeral Service as well as representatives from across MINDEF and the SAF.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng noted the Prime Minister's appreciation for the men and women of the SAF and the Singapore Army who worked tirelessly during the week of mourning. He said, "Today, we are honoured to receive the casing of two of the 21 shells fired as Mr Lee's cortege made its way around the Padang. These two shell casings represent the Government's deep appreciation and thanks to the SAF and the Army for organising the State Funeral last year." Dr Ng also encouraged the SAF to "remember Mr Lee's vision of building a strong and capable SAF to defend our way of life" and to "commit themselves to achieving that vision."

The artillery shell casings were collected following the firing of a 21-gun salute by the 21st Battalion, Singapore Artillery with four ceremonial 25-pounder howitzer on 29 March 2015. The casings were presented by the Government to persons and organisations that have been closely associated with Mr Lee.

Other recipients of the casings include the Singapore Police Force, the People's Association, the Parliament, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, the Housing & Development Board, the National Parks Board, and the Public Utilities Board. Following the ceremony, the shell casings received by the SAF and the Singapore Army will be put on display at the SAFTI MI Heritage Gallery and the Army Museum of Singapore.