The Singapore Armed Forces held their parade on SAF Day 2010. It was a time of ceremony and renewal of allegiance toward the nation.
On July 1 at the SAFTI Military Institute, members of the armed forces came together to reaffirm their pledge of loyalty and dedication to the Singapore Armed Forces and the nation during the 42nd SAF Day Parade.
Graced by His Excellency, President S.R. Nathan, the event kicked off with a march-on parade comprising the different contingents of the SAF, followed by the guard-of-honor march-on parade and inspection.
Then came the recitation of the SAF pledge and the one-minute silence observation, held in memory of comrades who had sacrificed in the course of duty in the SAF. The event concluded with an awards presentation ceremony for the Best Combat Unit Award, which was presented to the 1st Commando Battalion. In other categories, the 3rd Guards Battalion was honored with the Best Infantry/Guards Unit Award while the RSS Stalwart won the Best Ship Award.
Says Lieutenant-Colonel Wong Chin Hong, the Parade Commander for this year’s SAF Day Parade, in an interview published on www.mindef.gov.sg, “The SAF Day Parade is an important occasion for people from all the different parts of the SAF—the Army, Navy, Airforce, Joint as well as other backgrounds. Officers, MDES, Warrant Officers and Specialists, Men, Women, Regulars, NSFs and NSmen gather together to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our past and think about the future.”
Adds Master Warrant Officer, Ng Siak Ping, the Parade Regimental Sergeant Major for this year’s SAF Day Parade, “In my opinion, understanding is the key to a successful parade. By understanding the objectives and the participants, the event can be phased in a manner which will not push the men too hard, yet having the objective in mind; knowing what we are working towards, and being mission-oriented.”
Over the years, the SAF has evolved, not just in the acquisition of hi-tech weaponry and equipment, but from a small team to a strong, united military force with broad multi-spectral capabilities.
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