THANKS TO THEM, YOU CELEBRATED THE NEW YEAR IN PEACE

While the nation was getting ready to welcome the New Year, the men of 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (5 SIR) were manning their positions and making sure that nobody would threaten the festive celebrations.

They spent the year-end festive holidays on 'stand-by' to protect several key installations like petrochemical industries located at Jurong Island. These industries are vital because they contribute greatly to Singapore's economy and development.

"It's important to remain vigilant," said Force Commander Second Lieutenant (2LT) Altona Wijaja.

Despite the initial disappointment about having to forgo their holidays, the soldiers' spirits were lifted when they realised that they were performing a sacred duty of keeping their country safe.

A morale boost: Chief of Defence Force LG Ng Yat Chung's visit to Jurong Island helped to lift the men's spirit.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General (LG) Ng Yat Chung also showed his support for the men by visiting Jurong Island on 30 Dec.

"When LG Ng came down to acknowledge our effort, it was a big morale boost for us," said Lieutenant Subhas Gopal, Task Force Commander for Jurong Island. "All of us appreciate our senior commanders coming to the ground to see us doing our job."

As for Third Sergeant (3SG) Muhammad Firdaus, he was all geared up to do his part in protecting Jurong Island.

"It's all right, I haven't been celebrating on New Year s Eve for a very long time anyway," he said with a laugh. "It is an honour to serve the nation."

3SG Firdaus added that the men of 5 SIR were ready to do what was required of them, despite not being able to enjoy the holidays.

"They knew what was expected of them and they took it in their stride," he said.

It is, after all, their 'special' way of welcoming the New Year.