Fri, Jun 28, 2013
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE - 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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