Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen led approximately 2,200 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 was held at MINDEF to celebrate Singapore's 54th birthday.

During the observance ceremony, artistes from the Music and Drama Company, an entity of So Drama! Entertainment, and children from Sunflower Preschool @ MINDEF put up a heartfelt performance showcasing this year's National Day Parade theme, "Our Singapore". After the performance, 5-year-old Vera from Sunflower Preschool @ MINDEF exclaimed that she liked National Day "because it is very fun and it is our country's birthday!" MINDEF and SAF personnel were also joined by the performers to sing a medley of popular National Day songs.

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, Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Mr Joseph Leong, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Goh Si Hou, Chief of Air Force MG Kelvin Khong, 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.