The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated its 45th SAF Day at a parade officiated by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. More than 3000 SAF regulars, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and full-time National Servicemen attended the parade. Also present at the parade were Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Acting Minister for Social and Family Development and Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman. Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA), and the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) also attended the parade. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng led SAF personnel in reciting the SAF pledge to reaffirm their loyalty to the nation and their commitment to the defence of Singapore. A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of SAF personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

President Tan presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit, the 1st Commando Battalion as well as new regimental colours to the SAF Military Police Command, Maritime Security Command and 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment. The three new regimental colours were consecrated at a ceremony prior to the parade. Dr Ng presented the Best Unit and Best NS Unit awards to 23 SAF units. Dr Ng also presented the SAF Medal for Distinguished Act or the Pingat Jasa Perwira (Tentera) to Second Lieutenant Kamalasivam S/O Shanmuganathan for his act of courage to protect his recruit during a hand grenade live throw exercise in March 2013. At a post-parade reception, Dr Ng presented the SAF NSman of the Year awards to 13 NSmen.

Earlier today, more than 690 NSmen from 170 companies and their employers gathered for the SAF Day combined rededication ceremonies held at four locations around Singapore to reaffirm their commitment to the defence of Singapore. Dr Ng officiated at the rededication ceremony held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, where he delivered the SAF Day message to remind all Singaporeans on the importance of a strong and capable SAF. He said, "The SAF must be operationally ready at all times, able to move swiftly and decisively, when activated at a moment's notice. Our soldiers understand this imperative. I am proud to see our soldiers, sailors and airmen - both regulars and national servicemen - perform their duties with commitment, professionalism and fighting spirit to keep Singapore safe and secure."

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Acting Minister for Manpower and Senior Minister of State for National Development Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, and Acting Minister for Social and Family Development and Senior Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing officiated at the other three rededication ceremonies held at Temasek Polytechnic, ITE Central and Singapore Discovery Centre respectively.