The commemoration ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore
A service has been planned to commemorate The 75th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore on Wednesday, 15 February 2017 at 4.30pm at Kranji War Cemetery.
75 years ago, on 15 February 1942, Malaya Command surrendered Singapore to the Japanese 25th Army. This was a significant event in Singapore’s history and a key factor that would later set Singapore firmly on the path towards independence.
The planning for this event has been undertaken by the Commemoration Committee, made up of representatives from Singapore and the Embassy/High Commissions of Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Malaysia New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Guests will include heads of diplomatic missions, local and foreign dignitaries, veterans, ex-Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and former civilian internees and their families. The event is open to the public, and you are welcome to turn up and pay your respects to the war dead. The programme will include the mounting of Catafalque guards, laying of wreaths and the observance of a minute’s silence, as well as readings of war poems and choir support.
The ceremony also aims to promote reconciliation among former combatant nations. In this spirit, the Japanese community will be laying tsurus immediately after the traditional laying of wreaths. The tsurus (paper cranes which are symbolic of the hope for peace) are made by students from The Japanese School Singapore.
We ask that all visitors for this service are assembled at the Cenotaph by 1615. Please note that parking at Kranji War Cemetery is not available to members of the public as such public transport options, or taxi should be considered. For transport plans you are respectfully advised to ensure appropriate research and pre-planning are conducted to facilitate your personal requirements.
We will continue to update this site with details about the ceremony as they become available. We look forward to your attendance.
For information on parking options at Kranji War Memorial, please click here.
