NSMEN REAFFIRM THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE DEFENCE OF SINGAPORE

1 July may be just another day to you, but to the Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) all around Singapore, it is a day when they are reminded of the reason why they are part of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) - to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and our way of life.

This morning, more than 700 NSmen from 186 companies and their employers reaffirmed their commitment to the defence of Singapore at the SAF Day combined rededication ceremonies held at four different locations across the island.

Representing the East, CBD/South, North/Northeast and West zones, the combined rededication ceremonies were held at Temasek Polytechnic, HDB Hub, Orchid Country Club and SAFRA Mount Faber respectively.

Officiating at the Temasek Polytechnic auditorium, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean paid tribute to the NSmen for their service and commitment towards the SAF, and expressed his appreciation towards the families and employers of the NSmen for their support and encouragement.

"How strong the SAF is depends on the calibre, attitude, sense of commitment and fighting spirit of each and every one of you, whether you serve in the Army, Navy or Air Force, whether you are regulars or national servicemen," said Mr Teo.

In his speech, Mr Teo also paid tribute to the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, our first Defence Minister - the man whose ideas and foresight laid a solid foundation for the SAF.

Touching on the lasting legacy of the late Dr Goh, he said, "The ability to make tough decisions and fighting spirit were some of the attributes that Dr Goh demanded from the men and women of the SAF. These qualities are as critical and relevant in today s complex and uncertain security landscape."

Pledge Leader for the East Zone ceremony Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) (VOL) Jeffrey Seah, Deputy Commander, 3rd Division Support Command, felt that the SAF Day is a time when "we can don on the uniform and be proud that we can wear it to our workplace and be amongst our friends and colleagues".

"After all, the SAF is all about camaraderie and esprit de corp among not only the men, but society as well," explained SLTC Seah, who is the Director of Security Industry Institute at Temasek Polytechnic.

Private (PTE) (NS) Mohd Zishan, who was at a combined rededication ceremony for the first time, felt that it was a good way to "lift up the spirit of the SAF".

Looking back on his NS days, the 28-year-old said, "The SAF is quite interesting and we go through challenging activities and tough jungle trainings... I'm proud to be part of the SAF."

PTE (NS) Mohd Zishan reaffirming his allegiance and commitment to the defence of Singapore.

"The SAF has also equipped me with the knowledge on how to defend Singapore," added PTE Zishan, who hails from 696th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.The other three rededication ceremonies were officiated by Minister (Prime Minister's Office) Lim Swee Say, Minister for Community, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang.Later this evening, President S R Nathan will officiate at the SAF Day Parade, held at the SAFTI Military Institute. Mr Teo, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, will also be present at the parade.