The World War II Japanese occupation of Singapore (February 15, 1942 - August 18, 1945) left an indelible mark on the country's psyche. The war years were a living hell for the Singaporeans, many of whom were imprisoned, plundered, and massacred by the Imperial occupying forces.
These experiences are commemorated at the War Memorial Park on Beach Road, a 1.4 hectare park that houses the Civilian War Memorial. The Memorial was raised in the memory of those who died during the Japanese occupation. The remains of unknown war dead are buried under the monument, exhumed from all over Singapore.
The Memorial is actually composed of four pillars rising 222 feet high, symbolizing Singapore's four major races (Chinese, Malay, Indian, and "other"). It was officially dedicated by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on February 15, 1967 - twenty-five years to the day since the island surrendered to the Japanese.
Since then, every year on that date (now known as "Total Defence Day"), the government holds a memorial service here to remember the thousands of people killed during the occupation.
Address: surrounded by Beach Road, Bras Basah Road, Nicoll Highway, and Stamford Road
How to get there: Take the MRT to City Hall MRT Station - the park is only a short walk from there.
