SAF Day,1 July: Offers to NSmen. Will U Wear No.4 in Public?
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Fri, Jun 28, 2013
The Straits TimesSINGAPORE - A group of businesses and employers will come together for the first time to pay tribute to Singapore's soldiers, sailors and airmen on Singapore Armed Forces Day next Monday.
To honour the men and women in uniform, 21 retail, entertainment and food and beverage brands will offer discounts and freebies to all active and former military personnel.
The 800,000 servicemen here just need to wear their uniforms or produce their military identity card (SAF 11B) to enjoy the benefits that range from discounted movie tickets, meals and even dance classes.
In another first to raise the profile of those who serve their country, some employers are urging their citizen soldiers to show up at work in their uniforms on Monday.
Mr Andrew Kwan, managing director of Commonwealth Capital, which oversees brands such as Pastamania and Swissbake, will offer free pizza deals and discounts for its 1kg cakes from July 1 to 5.
The 46-year-old said he did not think twice when he was first approached to be part of the appreciation drive.
"It wasn't a question to do it or not, but when and how best to give our SAF guys a good deal," said the former army lieutenant whose son, 19-year-old Ryan, is now in basic military training.
"I remembered how people used to frown and wrinkle their noses when my campmates and I booked out in our uniforms and ate at restaurants.
"We can do better now. We should welcome and not shun the men in uniform who have sacrificed to defend the nation."
Mr Derek Tan, 42, who was one of the NSmen behind the campaign, said: "We want NSmen to be proud of wearing their uniform, not just within their camps but also in public. They should be recognised by their colleagues and bosses for their sacrifices."
It is understood that the Education Ministry is sending letters to school principals to encourage male teachers to don military uniforms on Monday. Yangzheng Primary School principal Jacinta Lim told The Straits Times that such efforts are "teachable moments" for pupils. She said: "This is to recognise the vital role the males have to play in defending the country and remind students of the dual roles their teachers play to contribute to the nation."
Charity Care Singapore assistant director Nicholas Lim is even giving 14 of his 33-strong staff a half-day off to enjoy the perks.
"Bearing arms is a responsibility that should not be taken for granted and this is just a small way for us to say thank you."
The latest efforts to salute current and ex-SAF personnel are similar to benefits offered to military men during Armed Forces Day in the United States and Britain.
Earlier this month, a chicken rice seller in Bedok was praised for giving army recruits extra portions of rice, chicken and eggs free - all without their asking.
The new benefits also come at a time when a committee is looking into ways to better motivate and recognise the contributions of national servicemen.
Mindef's national service affairs director, Brigadier-General Tung Yui Fai, said that while perks and discounts are "nice tangible benefits", public affirmation and recognition are welcomed. He added: "We hope this initiative will gain support from Singaporeans to show their appreciation not just on SAF Day but also at other times whenever possible."
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