Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen led about 1000 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in reciting the National Pledge and singing the National Anthem this morning during MINDEF’s National Day Observance Ceremony. The ceremony was held at MINDEF to celebrate Singapore’s 59th birthday.

During the ceremony, artistes from the Music and Drama Company put up a heartfelt performance highlighting this year’s National Day Parade theme, “Together, As One United People”. The performance encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Singapore through familiar local tunes and emotive dance performances, and harmoniously weaves the protective pulse of the SAF with the progress of Singapore. Highlighting that there is a part for everyone, a segment of the show was dedicated to Total Defence as this year marks 40 years of Total Defence for Singapore. 

Also present at the ceremony were Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Digital and Intelligence Service, as well as other senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF. All SAF units, including overseas training detachments, will also be holding observance ceremonies to celebrate National Day.