SAF MARKS 50 YEARS OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated its 50th year of defending the nation with a special parade officiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on SAF Day, 1 Jul.

Five F-15SG fighter planes performed a flypast to pay tribute to all regulars and national servicemen - past and present. Also featured was a heli-flypast of the national flag.

More than 3000 SAF Regulars, Operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen), and Full-time National Servicemen attended the parade at SAFTI Military Institute.

Led by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, they recited the SAF Pledge to reaffirm their loyalty and commitment to the nation.

They also observed a one-minute silence to remember those who died in the line of duty.

The parade featured a special ceremony known as Trooping of the Colours, where a contingent carried (or 'trooped') the Colours (flags) across the parade square, marching to the beat of music performed by the military band.

Parade Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mohd Nizam Bin Yahya said the procession was to honour the Colours on the special occasion of the SAF's Golden Jubilee. "This parade is different from other SAF Day parades," he said.

Honouring pioneers

The parade also recognised the contributions of SAF pioneers, and a video montage paid tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding prime minister, who played an instrumental role in building up the SAF.

Some 500 SAF pioneers were guests at the parade. Among them was Major (MAJ) (Ret) Leong Kwai Wah, 74, who was part of the first batch of SAF officer cadets in 1966. He was involved in taking over Tengah Air Base from the British when they started withdrawing their troops from Singapore in the late 1960s.

He and fellow pioneers had to deal with the threat of Konfrontasi during the early years of independence. "We were put on the frontline to look after the country," recalled the former Air Operations and Communications Officer.

MAJ (Ret) Leong, who retired in 1988, added that he was confident that "the generation today will continue defending Singapore".

Best units, NSmen recognised

The parade also recognised the best units of the SAF.

Mr Lee presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit, 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn), which had won the award for the 12th consecutive time.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Best Unit and Best National Service Unit awards to 28 SAF units.

Sixteen NSmen received the NSman of the Year award from Dr Ng at a reception held after the parade.

One of them was Captain (CPT) (NS) Chen Fuwei, 33, a naval diver from the Naval Diving Unit. As the Officer Commanding of the underwater demolition group, he leads a team of about 100 divers.

The father of two, aged 3 and 1, has to juggle his work as an assistant director in the Civil Service, family commitments, and NS duties. But strong support from his family and employer allowed him to do his best in his military work, he said.

His family commitments are about to increase. His wife is expecting their third child. Despite this, he has extended his NS cycle. "I gained a lot from National Service - very close friends,... fond memories, and useful life skills and values," he said.

"I see volunteering as a way of giving back... As long as I am fit and capable, I will continue to serve."