2LT Tay Seow Kai (1949 - 1970)
Most of us would have been fortunate enough to have gone through our NS stint without much drama, save perhaps a few bruises and light injuries.
However, there are the rare few who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
2LT Tay Seow Kai is one of the few who made sacrifices that as a nation, we should not and cannot forget.
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'Let Singaporeans remember the real Singapore heroes'
By Sim Boon Leng (via Facebook), 12 Nov 2016
I would like to share the story of a forgotten hero, 2LT Tay Seow Kai. A true hero who gave his life at the young age of just 21 years old to save others' life.
He was the 3rd son and brightest of a family of 12 siblings. He was good in painting and many more.
He joined the Singapore Arm Force after his studies. And with the monthly allowance, he provided for the family and took care of the younger siblings.
He did well in the SAF and was then promoted to an officer. However, tragedy struck. On that faithful day during a live grenade exercise, a recruit Kwok fumbled while handling a live grenade. Uncle Seow Kai grabbed the grenade from Kwok'. It then exploded in his hand, killing him in the process. Recruit Kwok life was saved along with another corporal.
This incident happened on 26 August 1970. Uncle Seow Kai's name has been forgotten by many. It is an injustice to him if his bravery and heroism are forgotten as well.
Please share this story if you can. Let Singaporeans remember the real Singapore heroes and Uncle Seow Kai is one of them.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/sim.boonleng/posts/10155106605462289
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/sim.boonleng/posts/10155109973392289?pnref=story
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The following is the description of 2LT Tay Seow Kai's actions, extracted from a RSIS Commentary written by Samuel Chan.
2LT Tay Seow Kai
"... there was the distinguished action of 2LT Tay Seow Kai when a recruit fumbled with a grenade during live practice on 26 August 1970.
The watchful 21 year-old platoon commander snatched the grenade to shield his recruits from danger.
The ensuing detonation fatally wounded Tay but his selfless action saved two recruits that fateful day.
He was buried in Chua Chu Kang Cemetery with full military honours on 28 August 1970. ..."
Source: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)
The following paragraph is extracted from a RSIS Commentary written by Samuel Chan.
Sending a clear message
"... The actions of Lieutenants Teo, Tay, and Zulhelmi are also testaments to the dedicated individuals found in the SAF.
Their devotion to duty does not pale in comparison to those awarded the SAF Medal for Distinguished Act.
Perhaps, they only failed to qualify for the decoration by virtue of time and administration. In fact, it can be argued that these three examples warrant the retrospective award of (or upgrade to) the medal.
By making this so the defence establishment would be sending a clear message that dedication to service is valued and will never be forgotten.
It will speak volumes that individual commitment to defence will be recognised and acknowledged consistently regardless of era, and that time does not age or separate distinguished acts.
This is especially poignant as the SAF undertakes a relentless schedule of operations and exercises both domestically and internationally.
Honouring these past deeds in a consistent manner is part and parcel of doing the right things. This goes beyond the medal as an object and heraldry as a system.
It delves into the very heart of what makes the SAF strong – the people and its values. This SAF Day on 1 July would be an opportunity to make things right. ..."
Source:
Making Things Right: Retrospective Honours for Distinguished Acts
By Samuel Chan (RSIS COMMENTARIES No. 038/2012 dated 9 March 2012) (Backup)
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Perhaps it is about time that Singapore should consider having a monument dedicated to the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to the nation - not just only for the SAF but for the SPF, SCDF and other govt agencies.
In addition to recognizing their sacrifice to the nation, the monument would also serve to remind Singaporeans who our heroes are, what they believed in, and ensure that the story of their heroic deeds will never be lost to time.
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