SAF MARKS TOTAL DEFENCE DAY WITH RIFLE PRESENTATION AT WAR MEMORIAL PARK

At the War Memorial Park (WMP) on 15 Feb, the mood was solemn. As dusk fell and a heavy downpour abated, buglers sounded the "Last Post" - a tune often played to commemorate those who lost their lives in war.

In front of the Civilian War Memorial, 402 recruits from 1st Guards Battalion (1 Gds) were literally handed the responsibility of defending Singapore as their Singapore Assault Rifle (SAR) 21 rifles were presented to them in a ceremony at the WMP.

This is the first time the Singapore Armed Forces commemorated Total Defence Day at the WMP on 15 Feb, the day Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong, who witnessed the ceremony, commented on the significance of the new venue: "This is a sacred place of remembrance of our forefathers who lost their lives during World War II."

He emphasised: "Remember always that strong security underpins Singapore's survival and success. Ultimately, if we are not prepared to defend ourselves, no one else will. That is why we commemorate Total Defence Day."

"It is my hope that this generation, and every successive generation of Singaporeans, will embrace this privilege of defending our homeland with pride and purpose," he added.

Commanding Officer of 1 Gds, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Fairoz bin Hassan, had a sobering message for his recruits: "Singaporeans must never again allow what is ours to be taken away...That is why you stand here today doing your National Service (NS)."

He continued: "Receive your weapons knowing that your country gives it to you with the trust that you will put it to good use... Use it to fulfil the promise that we have made on the day of our enlistment - that we will protect the honour and independence of Singapore with our lives."

His words were not lost on Recruit (REC) Mirza Abdul Martin, who understood the significance of the ceremony.

He said: "When I received my rifle, it reminded me of my duty to Singapore; what I'm supposed to do to defend it, and that I cannot leave Singapore to be defended by others."

His peer, REC Shawn Thia, felt honoured to be part of the ceremony that he considered meaningful.

He said: "When I first enlisted, I just wanted to get my two years of NS over and done with. Today's Total Defence Day, and getting my rifle, while remembering those who gave their lives defending Singapore, gives me a reason to serve NS."

Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh, senior SAF officers and warrant officers, students from the Singapore National Cadet Corps, as well as friends and family of the recruits, also witnessed the ceremony.