SINGAPORE - About 400 members of the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans' League (SAFVL) gathered with their familes at Safra Toa Payoh on Wedesday for a dinner to celebrate the league's 25th anniversary.
Members of the league, which was established in 1990, are ex-regulars aged 40 and above who have served in the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) or Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for at least six continuous years.
It currently has about 500 members, and organises educational sessions, commemorative events and memorial services, including one held across from MacDonald House in March this year to remember the victims of Konfrontasi.
Minister of Defence and chairman of the Safra Board of Governors Ng Eng Hen was guest-of-honour at the dinner, where he acknowledged the important role that veterans play in fostering a commitment to defence among Singaporeans.
"We remember and honour their sacrifice, and are inspired by their indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to Singapore. We need veterans to inspire future generations to fight for our country," Dr Ng said in his address.
President of SAFVL, Brigadier-General (NS) Winston Toh, said in a speech: "We have many dedicated volunteers in the SAFVL, who divide their time between their work and helping out in the league. Our veteran members have volunteered as Commitment to Defence Ambassadors. They shared their rich operational and life experiences with students, national servicemen and regulars."
"Looking forward, we hope to see the SAFVL as an established partner in national education efforts," he added.
Also present at the dinner was Senior Minister of State for Defence and president of Safra Ong Ye Kung, senior Mindef officials and SAF officers, foreign dignitaries, as well as representatives from Mindef, Safra, the National Heritage Board and sponsor companies of SAFVL.
