On February 15, 1942, the British surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army due to the shortage of food and ammunition.
Thus began the horrifying Japanese Occupation which lasted three years and eight months.
In February 1962 - twenty years after the war has ended, remains belonging to civilian victims of the Japanese occupation were unearthed. The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce& Industry undertook the responsibility of gathering the remains and creating a memorial.
In February 15, 1967, the Civilian War Memorial was built and the remains were buried under it.
This monument is composed of four similar pillars, symbolizing Singapore's four major races.
On this day every year (also known as "Total Defence Day"), the Government would hold a memorial service to remember the thousands of people killed during the occupation.
