While ceremonies and parades were being held across the island to commemorate Singapore Armed Forces Day officially, people also went online to put their own stamp on it.

Thousands of servicemen, past and present, took to social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to post photos and videos paying tribute to National Service.

The hashtag #SAF50 became a popular trending topic throughout the day as the SAF, started in 1965, is also celebrating its Golden Jubilee, along with Singapore.

Users, including Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and MP Lim Wee Kiak, uploaded old photos of themselves in military fatigues or with their NS buddies, evoking nostalgic times when they did their full-time NS stints.

One netizen, mr-ment, put up a photo of him and his bunkmates during an overseas exercise with the caption: "Blast from the past! Days of infinity push-ups, Jumping Jack, change parades, crawling across the parade square were moments I will treasure for life. Glad to have served with you all."

Another user - @kenny.pd - posted a photo of himself on his last outfield training exercise with a tongue-in-cheek caption: "We are the silent warriors. We don't need any damn recognition or fancy parades because we do the dirty work for those who won't."

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen posted a photo on Facebook of himself and senior SAF officers pledging their allegiance to the country at a re-dedication ceremony at Safra Toa Payoh.

Dr Ng wrote in a post: "A new generation must now continue this task of keeping the SAF strong, committed, capable and able to deal with new and more complex security threats, to give strength to our nation."

Jermyn Chow