REAFFIRMING THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE SAF

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day on 1 Jul kicked off with SAF Day Rededication ceremonies held at four locations around Singapore.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean officiated at the first ceremony held at SPRING Singapore. In his speech, Mr Teo lauded the efforts of every regular and citizen soldier.

"While modern equipment and technology are important in building up the SAF's capability, it is ultimately the fighting spirit and commitment of each and every one of you that determines the outcome of any action we are called upon to undertake," he said.

At the ceremonies, the SAF pledge was recited by about 1000 National Servicemen (NSmen) from 150 companies and employers, reaffirming their commitment to the defence of Singapore.

Leading uniform-clad NSmen in the SAF pledge in the first ceremony was Major (NS) Danny Lien, Commanding Officer of an Armour unit and Managing Director of Amos International (S) Pte Ltd.

MAJ (NS) Lien said the SAF pledge "is an affirmation of our commitment towards the nation and loyalty to our nation. And we will be there when the nation needs us. It is a reminder and commitment to total defence."

His personal commitment can be seen by the fact that he is an NSman under the Reservist On Voluntary Extended Reserve Service (ROVERS) Scheme. MAJ(NS) Lien, who had completed his NS six years ago, said of his motivations to extend his service: "I have many more good years left in me and I think I'm able to contribute a part of that for the total defence of Singapore."

How long does he intend to stay on the ROVERS scheme?

"As long as SAF requires me and as long as I'm fit enough to continue doing what I'm doing!" he said.

MAJ (NS) Lien was also one of 4000 SAF servicemen and NSmen who attended the SAF Day parade held on the same evening at the SAFTI Military Institute. At the parade, Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek, led the Service Chiefs and servicemen in reciting the SAF pledge.

Officiated by President S R Nathan, the parade was also attended by Mr Teo, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, and Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee.

Mr Nathan presented the State Colours to Lieutenant-Colonel Goh Tiong Cheng, Commanding Officer of this year's Best Combat Unit, the 1st Commando Battalion, while Mr Teo presented the Best Unit and Best National Service Unit awards to 21 SAF units.