Civilian War Memorial

Singapore's Civilian War Memorial was built as a tribute to civilians who have lost their lives during the Japanese Occupation.

The four identical pillars symbolise Singapore’s four major races: Chinese, Malay, Indian and Others.

Popularly known as the “Chopsticks” due to its shape, Singapore's Civilian War Memorial stands at a height of about 68 metres.

In 1962, discovery of the remains of war victims in the Siglap area (eastern part of Singapore) led to the decision to erect the memorial.

Many of the human remains belonged to Chinese civilians who were killed during the Sook Ching Massacre. This operation was carried out by the Japanese to weed out anti-Japanese elements during the war.

Chinese males between the ages of 18 to 50 were sent to screening centres and those who failed the screening process were taken away to be executed or imprisoned.

The present plot of land was set aside by then Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, in 1963 to erect a memorial to commemorate civilians killed during World War II.

The memorial was funded by contributions from the Government of Singapore, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and the people of Singapore. It was unveiled by the Prime Minister on 15 Februrary 1967, the 25th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore to the Japanese.

Every year on Total Defence Day which falls on 15 February, a memorial service is held in remembrance of those who have fallen during the war.

Address
War Memorial Park, Beach Road

Getting There
By MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25). Short walk to War Memorial Park.

Related books
World War I and II

Photo Gallery
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