"15 February marks the anniversary of the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in World War II. On this day every year, we honour the ones who bravely came forward to defend our country, and those who lost their lives in this dark moment of our history. It is occasion to reflect and strengthen our resolve to keep Singapore safe, secure and sovereign. May this online exhibition remind us of the lessons we must never forget, and inspire us to believe that as long as we are united, there is no challenge we cannot overcome together."
— Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education on the 55th War Memorial Service in Commemoration of the Civilian Victims of the Japanese Occupation and Total Defence Day 2022 and Launch of the Online Exhibition "Reflecting the Past, Looking Forward to the Future"
"We meet not to rekindle old fires of hatred. We meet to remember the men and women who were the hapless victims of one of the fires of history."
— Lee Kuan Yew, founding Prime Minister, 1967 Mr Lee Kuan Yew, founding Prime Minister, officially unveiling the Civilian War Memorial and delivering a speech on 15 February 1967.(Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore)
"The Civilian War Memorial, which stands before us is testament to our multicultural ties – the four tapering columns symbolise the shared experiences and unity among the people of different races in Singapore during the war."
— President Halimah Yacob, 2018 Madam President giving a speech during the 2018 War Memorial Service.(SCCCI Collection)
"As time passes, the generations that have endured the Occupation will gradually fade away. It is important that we keep their memories alive."
— Lawrence Wong, then Minister for Education & Second Minister for Finance, 2021 Mr Lawrence Wong, then Minister for Education & Second Minister for Finance, giving a speech during the 2021 War Memorial Service.(SCCCI Collection)
