Mr Khoo Boon Hui, Chairman of the BB Jubilee Relay – Pledge of Allegiance to the Nation

Mr Sam Tan, Chairman of the BB Jubilee Celebrations

Distinguished guests and members of The Boys’ Brigade

Good morning

            I am happy to be here this morning to be part of the first of many events that will take place in 2005 to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of The Boys’ Brigade.  Organising a relay like this is a rather unique way to launch the year-long celebrations.  It gives all BB Companies, the sponsoring authorities and stakeholders at the various schools, the opportunity to commemorate the Jubilee Year together.

2                    I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been involved with the Boys’ Brigade for the past 75 years.  The BB has contributed unceasingly to the holistic development of thousands of Boys who have gone through the hallowed doors of its institution.  The many testimonies and heart-warming recollections of the old Boys are proof enough of how lives have been moulded and shaped by the BB.  The activities that The Boys’ Brigade organises, from community service projects, adventure events to sports programmes, have served to nurture and develop the physical, social, educational and spiritual development of the boys. 

3          The Boys' Brigade has also shown strong commitment to National Education.  The pledge of allegiance that the Boys will take later is a reaffirmation of the loyalty and commitment they feel towards The Boys' Brigade and Singapore.  Through projects like The Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box and the BB CARES (Community Activities Rallying Everyone to Serve) Programme, The Boys' Brigade has demonstrated its longstanding desire to involve the Boys to build Singapore into our best home.

4          Projects such as these also help to instil the values of generosity and compassion in the Boys.  These projects allow them to understand what it means to care for, and look after those who need the strength and encouragement of the healthy and able-bodied.  I am sure that the values learnt would be put to good use, especially in the most recent tragedy.  Singapore is actively involved in the relief effort to help the countries across the region affected by the catastrophic tsunamis.  Various organisations, individuals and even our schools have joined in the action by spontaneously organising their own relief efforts.  I hope the Boys will also take this opportunity to contribute in the best way they can.

5          This morning I would like to give a special mention to Mr Chua Siak Phuang (or S P Chua).  I am glad that he is able to join us in the celebration today.  At 90 years old, he is currently the oldest BB Boy.  Mr Chua has remained a life-long member since signing up as one of the 12 pioneer Boys of the 1^st Singapore Company on 12 January 1930.  His dedication to the movement is truly commendable – even though he may be hard of hearing or too frail to walk long distance, he always makes it a point to attend every important BB meeting.  I hope the new generation of Boys will be able to emulate his unflinching loyalty and passion to The Boys’ Brigade.  He remains an exemplary figure and an inspiration to all of us.

6          I would also like to commend the many BB volunteers, who week after week, have sacrificed their precious time and energy to bring The Boys' Brigade to where it is today.  They have heeded the call to become role models for our future generation.  It is my hope that more of us will follow in their footsteps and be willing to give selflessly to invest in the future of our children.

7          On that note, I wish The Boys’ Brigade many more years of growth and success in its future endeavours.

Thank you.

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