2008 SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony
As part of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day celebrations on 1st July every year, rededication ceremonies are held all over Singapore so that NSmen and their employers can publicly reaffirm their commitment and support to our National Defence efforts. It is an event organised by employers that recognise the importance of the SAF and National Service as a long-term investment in the security, survival and success of Singapore.
This year, MINDEF invited Republic Polytechnic to chair the Organising Committee for the SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony for companies and public sector organisations in the North/Northeast Zone. Mr. Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health and MP for Sembawang GRC, was the Guest-of-Honour for this event. A record of about 50 companies pledged their support for this event and made generous monetary contributions to defray the cost of organising this event.
 
On the day of the event, representatives from the 50 organisations were directed to the VIP lounge for some light refreshments as well as to receive their appreciation plaques from Minister Khaw. They were also required to sign on tablets as a symbol of their support for National Defence. As the plaque presentation by the Minister was taking place in the VIP lounge, the NSmen and other civilian guests in the Theatre were entertained by a band performance by Nan Chiau High School Band as well as Malay, Chinese and Indian dance items by Evergreen Primary School.
 
After the plaque presentation, the VIPs headed down to join the NSmen and civilian guests in the Theatre. The Chief of Air Force, RP's Principal/CEO Mr. Yeo Li Pheow and Chairman of Organizing Committee Mr. Eden Liew then escorted Minister Khaw into the Theatre for his grand entrance. Mr. Eden Liew gave his welcome address to the audience and invited Minister Khaw up the stage for his speech. Thereafter, a special performance was put up by our RP dance group featuring the four main races living in harmony in Singapore.
 
The NSmen were then, addressed by Minister for Defence, Minister Teo Chee Hean via a recorded video and the latest SAF defence technology was introduced to the public through a video. The main highlight of the event was definitely the recitation of the SAF Pledge, which was led by MAJ (NS) Chan Kai Sum. All the NSmen stood up, placed their right fists over their left chests and recited the SAF Pledge with much gusto. After the pledge, everyone remained standing for the National Anthem, which definitely evoked feelings of patriotism. Truly, every Singaporean has a part to play in defending Singapore.
 
This was the first time Republic Polytechnic hosted the Combined Rededication Ceremony for the North/Northeast Zone. The success of this year’s ceremony was mainly attributed to the efforts of this year’s Organizing Committee which comprised representatives from 16 companies. Apart from that, the enormous help rendered by the various corporate administrative departments also facilitated the smooth flow of this successful event. |
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