ABOUT THE SAF50 COMMEMORATIVE BOOK

The SAF50 commemorative book, "Giving Strength To Our Nation: The SAF and Its People", is a collection of stories that celebrate the men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), past and present, as well as those outside the military who have contributed to building a strong SAF over the years.

Comprising more than 60 personal stories, the book covers the beginnings of the SAF and its transformation to the 3rd Generation fighting force it is today. It includes stories from pioneers such as Lieutenant-General (Ret) Winston Choo, who played a pivotal role in developing the SAF; Mr Lam Chun See, a first-generation Operationally Ready National Serviceman who reminisces about the SAF training areas of the past, as well as in-service personnel such as Military Expert 3 Derek Ong, who participated in the overseas humanitarian operation in Aceh, Indonesia. Beyond stories of the SAF's training, operations and exercises, the book also looks into a range of themes such as popular media, culture and the arts - painting, songs, literature and poems that reflect and express the soul of the SAF - to showcase how the SAF has woven itself into the fabric of Singapore society over the last 50 years.

Taking an approach of a compendium, the book brings together a diverse group of more than 30 writers including bloggers, journalists, artistes, academics, students, businessmen and civil servants. Drawing from their professional expertise, personal perspectives and encounters, these writers relate their experiences in, or with the SAF to enrich our understanding of the SAF and its impact on Singapore society.

It is hoped that these voices and stories in the book will inspire younger Singaporeans and deepen their commitment to defend Singapore.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE SAF50 COMMEMORATIVE BOOK

Members of the public can register at the SAF50 website (www.saf50years.sg) to get their personal copy of the SAF50 book. Registration is open from 25 July to 6 August 2015. The books are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Each person can register for only one book.

A downloadable PDF version of the SAF50 book will be made available on the SAF50 website (www.saf50years.sg) from 15 August onwards.

COLLECTION OF THE SAF50 COMMEMORATIVE BOOK

Successful applicants will be notified via an email. The books are available for collection only at the following places and dates between 1000hrs and 1700hrs:

• 15 to 16 August 2015: SAFRA Jurong
• 22 to 23 August 2015: SAFRA Toa Payoh and SAFRA Yishun 
• 29 to 30 August 2015: SAFRA Tampines

Successful applicants must print the email acknowledging their successful application for the book as well as produce their NRIC or original photo identification (e.g. student pass or driver's licence) for verification during the collection. If unable to collect the book personally, successful applicants can authorise a representative to do so. The authorised person should bring along his/her original photo identification, a photocopy of the successful applicant's photo identification (front & back), and a signed copy of the Letter of Authorisation.

Please refer to the SAF50 website (www.saf50years.sg) for more information.