Keechiu honours NSmen and SAF regulars.
6 h ·
I once hosted a foreign dignitary as Chief of Army. I showed him the best of what I thought we had to offer - tanks, vehicles, ships and planes. He was unimpressed. As I was getting discouraged, we pulled into Maju Camp, our final stop, where he saw many NSmen walking in and asked who they were. I sheepishly told him that these were our NSmen, returning for remedial training because they had failed their IPPT…
He was pensive. He said, “You have a credible defence force. Not because you have the best armoured vehicles, planes or ships. The spirit that I saw in Maju Camp, where even the least fit NSmen are prepared to come in and train seriously, the fact that behind the NSmen there are employers who will support them regardless, that is the strongest deterrence.”
No amount of money or resources can buy spirit, or dedication.
So I was honoured to join the SAF Day Combined Re-Dedication Ceremony at
National University Hospital - NUH , where we re-affirmed our pledge of commitment to Singapore and the SAF. We reflected on the trying times of COVID-19, which demonstrated the tight nexus between SAF, our healthcare workers, and the whole of Singapore. In a time of deep uncertainty, we showed the world our ability to adapt and persevere.
We also paid tribute to organisations who have taken special effort to encourage and support our NSmen’s NS-related commitments.
This SAF Day, let us not take the commitment of our NSmen and SAF regulars for granted. We honour them, and thank them and their families for their duty and sacrifice.
Long may we safeguard peace for Singapore and our people.
Happy SAF Day. Salute!
Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF)