Saf Day 2011

Saf Day 2011

The Singapore Armed Forces commemorated SAF Day at a parade at the SAFTI Military Institute on Friday evening. President S R Nathan was the guest of honour at the event.

More than 1,500 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, Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

A minute's silence was observed to remember SAF personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong led SAF personnel in reciting the SAF pledge to reaffirm their loyalty to the nation and their commitment to the defence of Singapore.

President Nathan presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit, the 1st Commando Battalion, as well as new regimental colours to the five operational commands of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

A Trooping of Colours ceremony was conducted to commission the five new regimental colours, marking a significant milestone in the RSAF's transformation journey.

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Best Unit and Best NS Unit awards to 23 SAF units. At a post-parade reception, Dr Ng also presented the SAF NSman of the Year awards to 15 NSmen.

Earlier Friday, more than 850 NSmen from 188 companies and their employers gathered for the SAF Day combined rededication ceremonies held at four locations around Singapore.

Dr Ng officiated at the rededication ceremony held at the NTUC Centre, where he delivered the SAF Day message to remind all Singaporeans of the importance of a strong and capable SAF.

He said: "Every SAF Day, citizens remind themselves of this commitment to their own defence while the SAF reaffirms its pledge of loyalty and dedication to the nation. It is through this continual commitment from its people that we have built a capable SAF that functions effectively as an integrated and potent force."

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran, Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong and Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Lui Tuck Yew officiated at the other three rededication ceremonies held at Temasek Polytechnic, ITE College West and Mapletree Business City respectively.