Kranji War Cemetery
'They Died for All Free Men'
Bell of remembrance rung at Kranji War Cemetery to mark 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore
Straits Times, 15 Feb 2017
SINGAPORE - The casualties of World War II were honoured at Kranji War Cemetery on Wednesday (Feb 15), the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore.
In a solemn ceremony attended by dignitaries, diplomats, and military officials and veterans, a bell of remembrance was rung five times - once for every year that the war raged in the Pacific.
Under an overcast sky from which a slight drizzle fell at times, Japanese Ambassador to Singapore Kenji Shinoda was one of the first VIPs to lay a wreath of poppies - which traditionally symbolise blood shed on the battlefield.
This is the first time Japan is working with former Allied countries, including Singapore, to organise a World War II commemoration ceremony here.
Three World War II survivors were the last to lay their wreaths near the Singapore Memorial, inscribed with the name of more than 24,000 soldiers and airmen who died during the war in Malaya and Indonesia and have no known grave.
See the full article and videos here: Straits Times
"I express my feelings of profound grief and heartfelt condolences. I believe that such feelings are shared by the overwhelming majority of Japanese."
Kenji Shinoda
Japanese Ambassador to Singapore
"... While many have never experienced the horrors of war, they must never forget the lessons learned and the commitment and sacrifices of their forefathers in protecting the country and its way of life.
This commitment to remember the horrors of war and to defend Singapore is at the core of Total Defence.
It is when every Singaporean is resolved to play their part, and contribute to keeping Singapore strong on all fronts, that we can be confident of safeguarding our nation and our home against different threats and challenges that come our way. ..."
Vikram Nair
Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs
Video: By Tedd Jong, 22-year-old student who was there as part of the NUS History Society.
Read more here:
Channel NewsAsia - Allied nations jointly mark 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore in ceremony
#NeverAgain #DefendingtheLionCity #SAF #NationalService #NS50 #WhyMustWeServe #LestWeForget #TotalDefence
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