Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan commends NSmen and women on SAF Day 2019, welcomes 3rd grandchild

Singapore – Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan posted a tribute on his Facebook page to all the NSmen and women for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day 2019 which was on July 1 (Monday).

“The SAF is a key reason we can all sleep soundly, appreciating the peace and security of today’s Singapore,” he wrote.

He added that his travels around the world as Foreign Minister has made him grateful for Singapore’s armed forces as it is something that “must never be taken for granted.”

“The world remains a dangerous place. We continue to confront both conventional and unconventional threats, including terrorism and cybersecurity,” he noted.

The Foreign Minister also mentioned the progress that Singapore has experienced when it comes to defence capabilities. He recalled that the past two centuries were filled with world wars, invasion, occupation, Konfrontasi, and communist insurgencies.

“Before the SAF, we could only be passive victims of other countries plans. We had no say.”

“Today, we have a voice, we stand upright as a successful and united nation. We can defend ourselves, our way of life and our right to make our own choices for the future,” said Mr Balakrishnan gratefully.

He went on to thank the “pioneers of the SAF and the more than 1 million of us who have served National Service.”

“It has been a sacrifice, but a worthwhile and meaningful endeavour,” he added.

The Foreign Minister also gave a shoutout to all the NSmen (and women) for all the “indelible memories.”

It wasn’t only the SAF that Mr Balakrishnan had to celebrate on Monday. He posted another update a few hours “welcoming the latest addition to his family.”

He shared a photo with his third grandchild and another of the handsome baby staring straight to the camera.

Read related: MINDEF campaign offers NSMen discounts in shops and hawker stalls from July 1-Aug 31

To find out more about SAF Day 2019, watch the Ministry of Defence’s (MINDEF) message below brought to us by Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen.

He shares the history that contributes to the strength of the SAF today.

“Together, we have forged a SAF that is an advanced, modern fighting force and one that we can all be proud of to protect Singapore,” said the MINDEF. -/TISG