SAF Day 2019

03 July 2019 (Wednesday)

My Testimonial for SAF Day 2019

It was a joyful SAF Day, the Rededication Ceremony was held at Jurong Town Hall organized by Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industrial (SCCCI).

An Airforce man asked, "Why the members of SAFVL choose to attend the West Zone Rededication Ceremony." One member of SAFVL answered, "You mean we have a choice to go to North, East or South Zone?" 

I answered, "Every year we are invited by SCCCI."

There was no testimony by NSmen for this year and the Chairman of SCCCI only spoke in Mandarin for the Opening Address, unlike past year (2017), the Chairman first speak in Mandarin and again speak in English.

At the Jurong Town Hall car park, I had a nostalgic feeling, I was "Back to the Future". In 1981, 38 years ago, I was a Drill Instructor for the PUB Contingent for NDP 1981. We did our drill and march training to prepare for the National Day Parade.

In the afternoon, again, as a member of SAFVL, I was invited to SAF Day Parade held at SAFTI MI. I met a retired Commando, Peter, who was the Course Leader when I attended the ALP (Advanced Leadership Programme) at SAF Warrant Officers School in 2002, it was 17 years ago. Hi, Peter, nice to see you.

Without fail, I was the official Photographer for the SAFVL, I managed to capture some best photos for the SAFVL.

Hi, fellow gunners, Men of Steel, the SAFDP 19 is a success, congratulations for a Mission Well Done and record as Target SAFDP19, On time On Target, Every Round Count, Towards Excellence, In Oriente Primus.

I was honored to be presented.  

1WO (Ret) Yue Kam Weng

Gunner from 1968 to 2005.

Drill Instructor for PUB

1981. I was Drill Instructor for PUB Contingent for NDP 1981. We did our marching and drill training at this car park. Jurong Town Hall.

SAF Day 2019 Photos

02 July 2019 (Tuesday)

"Cpt Ng Seng Chan was the contingent commander for the Artillery contingent, SAF Day Parade 1969 at Jalan Besar Stadium. I was one of the soldiers in the rank and file."

The Minister for Defense, Dr. Goh Keng Swee, awarded weekend confinement for soldiers spectators making nuisance during the parade.

Another SAF Day Parade at the former National Stadium, I was tasked to be OIC spectators. We were already getting seated, it started to rain. Rain getting heavier, no order was given to retreat, the rain finally stopped. Parade proceeded.

On July 01, 2019, at SAFTI MI parade square, I saw a lightning conductor line laid across the two very high poles, I asked the retired commando Peter, that was a lightning conductor line, he enlightened me. So even Cat 1 (inclement weather condition), we would not hit by lightning when on parade.

Last night at 2330hrs. I wrote, "Goodnight friends. We can sleep well every night, with the SAF guarding the country 24/7/365. Thank you, SAF. Happy SAF Day."

Poem - SAF Day

Gained Independence without war, formulate a national the defense is an urgent matter.

Full-time two-year and combat readiness, return to camp every year high/low key.

First of July is SAF Day, say thank you to the soldiers for protecting the country.

We have Total Defence, We can sleep well every night.

诗篇 - 军人节

没有流血得立国，建立国防莫耽误。

全职两年和战备，年年回营再复习。

七月一日军人节，谢谢军人保家国。

全民防卫我们有，夜夜安眠没战争。

SAF Day 2019 post-parade reception

01 July 2019 (Monday)

SAF Day 2019 post-parade reception

It was a very prestige reception/dinner at the end of the SAF Day parade. Our President of Singapore was present gracing the occasion. The utensils for dinner were not the normal disposable paper plate but white plastic plates, I remember in 2017, NS50, the utensils were porcelain.

I was tasked to local where was the designated dining tables for members of SAFVL, anyway, I couldn't find any. When dinner started, the members of SAFVL were scattered everywhere. Finally, there were two dining tables were reserved for XXX, but only one person was there dine. One by one the SAFVL converged and occupied the two underutilized dining tables.

Initially, the person didn't say anything when we were taking up the two tables, but later he showed us the designated sign implied that "These two tables are designed for XXX."

I answered, "We see these two tables are not occupied if your friends come we give the tables to you."

I think the gentlemen was unhappy that the members of SAFVL didn't respect the designated sign. I was very sorry about the incident.