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DPM Teo Launches Commemorative Book on SAF Pioneers' March at Golden Jubilee NDP, Thanks Them for Building Up Strong SAF
24 July 2016
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Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean officiated at the launch of the commemorative book “50 SAF Pioneers’ Nostalgic March – 9 August 2015”, held at Temasek Club this evening. The book features the experiences of the 50 Pioneers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) who participated in the Vintage Parade as part of the National Day Parade 2015. The Vintage Parade re-enacted segments of the street parades in the early 1970s, when Singapore was first founded, to allow the audience to appreciate the contributions and struggles of our pioneers in nation-building. The book, which also includes the significant moments of the 50 Pioneers’ careers in the SAF, celebrates the pioneering spirit and serve as a collection of memories to be passed down to future generations.
Speaking at the book launch, DPM Teo commended the Pioneers for laying a strong foundation for the SAF. He said, “At a time when we had few resources, our SAF Pioneers showed the way with their vision, fortitude, and determination… Because of the strong foundation laid down by our SAF Pioneers, the SAF is what it is. It is respected as a strong and professional force.” DPM Teo also emphasised the need for Pioneers’ commitment to defence and spirit of service to be passed down to future generations of the SAF. “You (SAF Pioneers) came in at a time when that commitment to put your life down was real… We have lived through so many decades of peace now because of the peace and stability that you and the SAF have given us. I think the reality of that possibility (to put your life down) has to be transmitted to the next generation of the SAF,” he said.
In conjunction with the book launch, 16 of these pioneers received their Commitment to Defence (C2D) Ambassadors Appointment Letters. As C2D Ambassadors, they would engage SAF personnel and students to impart core values to our youth, and boost community support for defence. They would do so by drawing National Education lessons from significant historical events and past military operations, and through personal stories about how their pioneering spirit helped them persevere and succeed in the face of adversity.
Chairman of the Commemorative Book Editorial Committee Colonel (Ret) Lim Yeow Pheng also presented a cheque of $100,000 to Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr Ng Chee Khern for the SAF Care Fund during the book launch. The Ministry of Defence will match the amount raised dollar for dollar. The amount, raised through the donations of sponsors and table sales at the book launch cum dinner, will go towards providing additional support to SAF personnel who have been severely disabled due to military service, over and beyond MINDEF’s existing compensation and welfare frameworks.
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