Lest we forget their sacrifices

- This is from the Online Straits Times Forum 26 May 2007 -

I REFER to the letter, 'Memorial to NSmen who die while on duty' by Mr Lim Chong Leong (ST, May 16), and the reply, 'NSmen who die on duty are not forgotten' (ST, May 23), by Colonel Benedict Lim of the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Lim made some pertinent points in according respect to NSmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. I understand and agree with the reasons for his requests, having been an NSman myself, and now the father of a son who will one day serve the nation himself.

I also appreciate the reply from Col Lim where he mentioned that the Singapore Armed Forces make significant monetary compensation to the family, and then remembers the fallen with a minute of silence during the annual SAF Day Parade. However, Col Lim did not address Mr Lim's key point of building a memorial to those who die while in service.

It is an extremely good suggestion to erect a memorial, in a prominent place, to remember our fallen brothers in arms. These men and women, who are sorely missed by their grieving family, deserve more than monetary contribution and a minute of silence. They deserve a memorial for their sacrifice.

A prominent memorial, with individual names engraved, will be much appreciated by the families. It will also be appreciated by future generations of servicemen and women who know they will not be forgotten by their country. If we do not remember them individually in this way, their memory will fade away.

Lieutenant (NS) Thusara Dharmapala