Singapore holds ceremony to commemorate 70th of end of WWII

Singapore held a ceremony at the Kranji War Cemetery on Saturday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Sept. 12 is a special day for Singapore, as it not only marks the end of Japanese occupation of Singapore, but also the conclusion of WWII.

Organized by the Changi Museum, hundreds of participants attended the remembrance ceremony, including members of diplomatic corps, as well as local and foreign veterans, students and the public.

This event featured public readings of war poems that encourage reflection on the matter of war and peace, on the courage of those who bear the call to duty and also on those who have made the supreme sacrifice.

Jeya Ayadurai, director of the Changi Museum, said the aim of holding the ceremony is "Lest we forget".

"Not to re-open old wounds and make fresh the pain of 70 years ago, but to inspire our young how this special generation of the war, faced adversity with great fortitude and dignity, and to honor them for having so gallantly responded to the call of duty and sacrifice," said Jeya Ayadurai.

Wreaths were laid after the observance of two minutes of silence. A special bell was also rung seven times to signify each year of the seven-year global war.

The ceremony came to a rousing end by the singing of Singapore' s National Anthem, Majulah Singapura, a fitting reminder that the defence of the country today lies in the hands of Singaporeans.

Singapore fell into the Japanese occupation on Feb. 15, 1942, which ended on Sept. 12, 1945, when Japan signed the surrender document at the Municipal Building in the island state. Singapore government held the commemoration ceremony of the end of WWII at the old City Hall on Aug. 27.