CELEBRATING SINGAPORE'S 47TH BIRTHDAY AT MINDEF

The National Day Observance Ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 8 Aug certainly drummed up the festive mood as over 2,000 personnel from MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) took time off their morning schedules to enjoy entertaining performances by artistes from the SAF Music and Drama Company (MDC) and children from the Cherie Hearts @ Gombak.

In line with this year's National Day Parade theme "Loving Singapore, Our Home", the 20-minute musical featured a colourful, multicultural song and dance display. This included a medley of popular National Day songs such as Home and Love at First Light, this year's theme song.

Six-year-old Lim Jun Rui, who took part in the performance, said proudly: "I'm very happy to be able to express my love for Singapore by dancing and singing for everyone!"

Among those enjoying the performance was Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, who led the MINDEF and SAF personnel in reciting the National Pledge and singing the National Anthem during the ceremony.

Also present at the ceremony were Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, service chiefs 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.