PM LEE THANKS SAF AND ITS PIONEERS FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THE NATION

Singapore is able to enjoy peace and hold its own as a young nation in the region because of its strong defence force, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

"We have enjoyed peace because we have a strong SAF. Because our ability and our resolve to defend ourselves was never in doubt. And therefore, people took us seriously, respected us, and we could be friends and partners with our neighbours."

He was speaking to former and current Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) personnel at the SAF50 Dinner on 24 Jul.

Held at Pasir Laba Camp, the dinner was one of the highlights of the celebrations to mark the SAF's golden jubilee. One thousand SAF and MINDEF leadership, pioneers, in-service personnel and Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) were brought together to commemorate 50 years of the SAF giving strength to the nation.

"As we celebrate the 50th year of the SAF, I salute all the past and current leaders of the SAF, the men and the women of Singapore who have contributed through your service and to support our nation. Thank you for being soldiers. Thank you for guarding and keeping Singapore safe," said PM Lee.

He also acknowledged the accomplishments of the pioneers in building up the SAF and reminded current and future generations of soldiers to hold fast to the values which the pioneers subscribed to.

"The first generation of pioneers will be long retired, but their spirit must live on in all of us. And their values - the values of courage, of self-sacrifice of service to the nation - must be handed down from generation to generation," he noted.

Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng echoed PM Lee's appreciation of the SAF pioneers. Standing beside the SAF's first CDF, LG (Ret) Winston Choo, LG Ng expressed his gratitude to him and other pioneers for paving the way for the SAF.

"(LG [Ret] Choo) has given me good counsel over the years. Foremost, I would like to thank our pioneers who have laid a strong foundation for the SAF, said LG Ng.

"Their service in the initial years has safeguarded Singapore, and without their contributions, I don't think the SAF would be where we are today. And I say with all sincerity and gratitude that we stand on their shoulders in building the 3rd Generation SAF."

LG (Ret) Choo said that he as well as his fellow veterans were all very proud of what the SAF had become, 50 years on. "The SAF has grown in leaps and bounds. Even at the time when I retired in 1992 we were very much recognized as a credible armed force. But I think what the SAF is today is beyond (just) recognition. We are second to none in the region."

Remembering our roots

Among the SAF pioneers at the dinner was Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (Ret) Clarence Contard Tan Kim Peng. While the SAF has grown much in the last five decades, he firmly believes that it is important for young soldiers to be aware of their roots.

"If you want to move forward, you must know where you came from," said the 74-year-old, who played a key role in establishing the Commando unit in 1969 and training the first batch of Commandos. He was recently invited to give a talk to newly-graduated Commando officers.

"The best (way) is to get this old hand to give them a talk. I talk to them about the beginning and how we started the unit... how hard it was to recruit people; (and) why they were willing to undergo such training."

And while soldiers now are more highly educated and therefore could take to training better and contribute more ideas, what has remained unchanged are the values and culture set by the pioneers, noted LTC (Ret) Tan.

"(The Commandos today) are still able to maintain the Best Combat Unit (accolade) after so many years. The standards for training and discipline have been laid down and they are improving on it.

"I'm proud of what it has become, because they have followed the tradition of the Commandos, which is the can-do attitude and determination."

Strength from the community

PM Lee also thanked the wider Singaporean community for supporting the SAF and National Service (NS) system.

Colonel (NS) Abu Bakar was one serviceman who was grateful to his family for standing by him.

"Whenever you go for NS, you're away from home. But my wife and two daughters understand my passion and commitment," said the Commander of the 27th Singapore Infantry Brigade.

As the Managing Director of Singmarine Private Limited, he was also thankful that his employers' support had enabled him to manage both his work and NS responsibilities.

"It's about defending what you believe in and your way of life," said COL (NS) Bakar on his reason for remaining committed to national defence. "At the end of the day, it's about the values that you are protecting."

Launch of SAF50 book

During the dinner, PM Lee also launched the SAF50 Commemorative Book, Giving Strength to Our Nation: The SAF and Its People. The book comprises a collection of more than 60 personal stories that traces the humble beginnings of the SAF to the formidable force it is today. Written by people from all walks of life, the book pays tribute to the SAF and the men and women who step forward to serve.

From 25 Jul to 6 Aug, members of the public can register for their personal copy of the SAF50 book at the SAF50 website (www.saf50years.sg).