THE Public Service Division's (PSD) decision to give a $500 one-off payment to each civil servant to mark Singapore's 50th birthday this year is greatly appreciated ("Civil servants to get $500 in special SG50 payment"; yesterday).

While Singapore is celebrating its 50th birthday, the PSD shouldn't forget the vast contributions of all the retired civil servants. Singapore is so progressive today because of the ingenuity, foresight and industry of these retired civil servants.

Hence, the 50th birthday celebration is the perfect opportunity for the PSD to demonstrate its magnanimity and recognition of the past service of the retired civil servants, by giving them each a $500 one-off payment.

For their sacrifices, let the civil service retirees be part of the 50th birthday celebration. This is a small gesture on the part of the PSD.

Pavithran Vidyadharan