Singapore commemorates 70th anniversary of end of WWII

Singapore's National Heritage Board(NHB) on Thursday organized a ceremony at the same City Hall Chamber where the 1945 surrender ceremony in Singapore took place to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The commemorative event was held to honor the sacrifice, resilience and unity of those who survived the war, and rebuilt Singapore in the post-war period, laying the foundation for the nation of today. During World War II, Singapore was occupied by Japanese forces for three and a half years.

Singapore's Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Communication and Information Lawrence Wong officiated the event, which was attended by war survivors and veterans, members of the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans League ( SAFVL), the diplomatic corps, Inter-Religious Organization (IRO), representatives from the business and community groups, and National Cadet Corps.

At the ceremony, two survivors of the war recounted their memories of life during the Japanese Occupation. Professor Edwin Thumboo, established Singapore writer and Cultural Medallion recipient, read a poem that he had written on growing up during the war, entitled 1st April' 45, 42 Monk's Hill Terrance. While retired army major, Major Ishwar Lall Singh spoke of how his experience during the war led him to volunteer as a soldier in the post-war era.

"The pain, sufferings, hunger and deprivations during the Japanese occupation taught me that one should never allow a foreign country to rule over one's country," said Major Singh, " The war was therefore important in making us realize that we can only rely on ourselves in our fight for independence."

Lawrence Wong thanked all of the veterans and survivors for their sacrifices and contributions in his speech. Wong stressed that memories of the war account part of Singapore's history as the country marks the fiftieth year of independence as a nation.

"As we look back, let us never forget the lessons we have learned about the importance of peace and stability across nations, and the price that comes with violence and conflict. Let us never forget the men, women and children who paid that price," said Wong.

The minister also reiterated that the common experience of Occupation strengthened the people's mettle, as it shaped their resolve to ensure that their children should never suffer in the same way, catalyzed the building of Singapore and forged a common identity out of a community of diverse immigrants.

"Most crucially, the war had taught the people that we must ourselves defend Singapore. We cannot depend on the goodwill of others to do so," said Wong.

At the end of the event, all participants observed a minute of silence in memory of victims of the war.

A surrender ceremony was held at the then Municipal Building, where National Gallery Singapore stands today, on Sept. 12, 1945. Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander in Southeast Asia, accepted the surrender of the Japanese forces in Southeast Asia at the place where is known as the City Hall Chamber. The surrender ceremony signaled the official end of Japanese Occupation in Singapore. Endi