41st War Memorial Service

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41st War Memorial Service
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Reflections

• The visit to the war memorial has taught me so
  many things. One of them includes the importance
  of racial sensitivity and harmony. This was
  depicted through the architecture of the war
  memorial, which consists of four tall pillars,
  each symbolizing the four races in Singapore.
  Another example that shows the importance of
  racial harmony in Singapore is when the issue of
  the remains of the victims was raised. Initially
  the Chinese Chamber of Singapore wanted to
  cremate these remains but since the idea was
  objected to by the Muslim and Christian
  communities, they finally decided to bury them
  instead. This decision shows that Singaporeans
  value the importance of racial sensitivity.
  Another learning point that I gained is the need
  for Singaporeans to always stay vigilant and for
  everyone to play a part in defending Singapore.
• Zalikha Bte Chari
• 0701

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Reflections

• Having attended the war memorial service last
  Friday, the event has changed my perception of
  the importance of knowing Singapore's historical
  background. I was originally hesitant of
  attending the event, thinking that it was going
  to be another solemn war memorial service. It was
  only during the ceremony itself that I realised
  this was no ordinary event. Not only did I
  witness many people coming from various parts of
  the world, including the Veterans of The ASEAN
  Federation, but also the fervor of religious
  leaders from my country in participating in this
  event. It thus made me ponder how lucky we are to
  be living in peace together in such a
  multi-religious and multi-racial society like
  ours. This event does not only enable us
  to honour those who have sacrificed their lives
  to defend Singapore during World War Two, but it
  also allows me to know and appreciate the amount
  of work that our forefathers have put in to make
  our country into what it is today a prosperous
  and a determined society.
• Mohammad Syarulnizam B Mohd N 0737

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Reflections

• The trip to the memorial service was enriching
  and fruitful for me. Through this trip, I am able
  to truly understand the story of the Japanese
  Occupation and the pain experienced by the
  people of our nation. Upon seeing the ceremony of
  mourning for the lives lost, I am able to feel
  the sorrow felt by the family members of the
  victims who were present to burn the incense
  papers for their relatives. Singapore has done
  the right thing to commemorate the Japanese
  Occupation. The victims would have died in vain
  if we chose to forget it. Through this event, we
  would always remember how our country survived
  despite the hardship and the obstacles. The
  future generations would thus learn not to take
  things for granted and defend our country.
• Jacqueline Ang 0701