REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO THE DEFENCE OF SINGAPORE
Some 400 NSmen came together at Combined Rededication Ceremonies across the island, while the SAF held its annual parade at SAFTI MI on 1 Jul to commemorate SAF Day.STORY BY THRINA THAM & DONAHUE FOO / PHOTOS BY CHUA SOON LYE
It may have rained but the parade goes on.
About 2,000 SAF servicemen and women commemorated the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day with its annual parade amid stormy weather on 1 Jul evening.
The parade was officiated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who was presiding the SAF Day Parade for his first time as head of state.
Invited guests – comprising about 2,000 Regulars and national servicemen – watched the parade proceedings in Warrior's Hall at SAFTI Military Institute, while others tuned in via the livestream.
Earlier in the day, 386 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) – smartly dressed in their No. 4 uniforms – also came together to reaffirm their dedication in defending Singapore.
The NSmen, from some 240 companies, took part in Combined Rededication Ceremonies (CRC) at four locations across the country.
Speaking at the CRC at Suntec City Convention Centre, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of maintaining strong defence amid global uncertainties.
"Our NS is not for show. Our NSmen know that they will be first to mobilise in a conflict… We want to make sure that they have realistic exercises, and when the battle is called, to be ready and confident," he said.
Here are the highlights of SAF Day:
9am: Combined Rededication Ceremonies
Major (MAJ) (NS) Nicholas Look, Operations Officer of 779th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, led the recitation of the SAF Pledge at the rededication ceremony held at Suntec City Convention Centre.
"Leading the pledge feels like a homecoming, reminding us of our roots and obligations as NSmen," said the 30-year-old.
MAJ (NS) Look – who works a Supply Chain Lead in HP – credits the unwavering support of his wife, family, managers and colleagues in helping him balance his work, NS duties and personal life.
For example, he participated in Exercise Tiger Balm in Hawaii, United States in 2023. Despite the time difference, he stayed connected with his work, managing to fulfill his project obligations during the evenings after training. He also shared photos and videos with his family to keep them informed.
MAJ (NS) Look's thoughts were echoed by fellow NSman, 1st Sergeant (1SG) (NS) Muhammad Zakir Bin Mohammad Anuar, Company Sergeant Major of 33rd Combat Service Support Battalion.
The 29-year-old is preparing for Exercise Wallaby during his sixth In-Camp Training cycle this year.
"In Singapore, NS is crucial for educating and training young individuals to protect our home. My wife has been incredibly supportive, always sending me off for my NSman duties with encouragement and understanding," he said.
6pm: SAF Day Parade
Amid the evening's story weather, the SAF Day Parade proceeded indoors as part of wet weather plans.
The parade was led by Parade Commander Military Expert (ME) 6 Toh Bao-En, a Commanding Officer in the Imagery Support Group, Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS).
ME6 Toh is the first female SAF Day Parade Commander, as well as the first from DIS.
She was supported by Parade Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer Lee Chze Liang, Brigade Sergeant Major of 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade.
Dr Ng also presented Best Unit awards to the winners of the Best Unit Competition. A total of 18 active units and 12 National Service units were recognised for their outstanding achievements in their respective formations.
Finally, President Tharman presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit – the Singapore Army's 1st Commando Battalion.
This marks the 21st consecutive win for the Commandos.
