The Civilian War Memorial, a magnificent monument to a tragic period

The Civilian War Memorial, a magnificent monument to a tragic period

Singapore's imposing Civilian War Memorial was created to commemorate the civilian lives lost during the Japanese occupation of Singapore at the time of World War II. The 70 m memorial stands proudly amidst landscaped greenery in the midst of today's busy city traffic. Its structure of four equally tall columns represents the equality of the four major racial elements of Singapore the Malay, Chinese, Indian and other races. In the Singaporean context there is no doubt that the strength provided by racial unity has been one of the reasons behind its modern day success and prosperity. The remains of the unfortunate victims of war are buried beneath the memorial.

During the Pacific War of World War II Singapore was invaded by the forces of the Japanese Empire. Many ethnic Singaporean Chinese youths joined the British forces in the fight against the invaders, fighting the Chinese in hand to hand combat putting up fierce resistance. Many died valiantly while others escaped to Malaya to persist in their battle against the Japanese. Other Chinese raised funds to support the struggle against the Japanese in China.

After conquering Singapore the Japanese set about in their merciless quest to punish all Singaporeans who had acted against them. All Chinese between the ages of 18 and 50 were required to report to the Japanese military police (some were forcibly abducted) and were taken to the infamous Sook Cheng detention centres. Here those individuals considered anti-Japanese' were identified by masked men and these unfortunate persons were massacred.

The Civilian War Memorial is dedicated to the memory of these brave individuals who paid the ultimate price while defending their motherland. Each year on Total Defence Day, February 15th, a memorial service is conducted at the monument in remembrance of these war victims.

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