SAF NSmen Appreciation Dinner 2017

The annual SAF NSmen Appreciation Dinner is held to thank NSmen who have gone beyond the call of duty. Despite holding heavy responsibilities in their daily jobs, these Volunteers, Reservists on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service (ROVERS) and Key Appointment Holders contribute their time and energy to Singapore’s defence.

This year the dinner was held on 2nd March and hosted by Chief of Army (COA), Major-General Melvyn Ong. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of two events that have shaped Singapore’s history: 50 years of National Service and the 75th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore. This taught us two important lessons. First, never again could we depend on others to defend our home and second, we must always have the will to fight and defend Singapore as what you cannot defend is not yours to begin with. 

With that in mind, NS was introduced in 1967. In the 50 years since NS was introduced, more than 1 million Singaporeans would have done NS which forms the core of the operationally ready SAF. It has also shaped the Singaporean way of life by creating a common commitment which has defined our national identity and has made boys into men. Because of the commitment and contributions of the NSmen, they have formed the cornerstone of Singapore’s security and success for the last 50 years. 

COA also took the opportunity to thank several attendees in particular for their invaluable contributions.