Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II

Your Excellencies

Veterans and Pioneers

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. 70 years ago, on 15 August 1945, Japan announced its surrender. This marked the end of World War II and the occupation of Singapore, which had lasted three and a half years.

2. A month later, on 12 September, Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander in Southeast Asia, accepted the surrender of Japanese troops in the region. The walk up the steps of the former City Hall, the very route that we took just now, and the surrender documents were signed in this chamber, where we are now gathered.

3. Like many Singaporeans, I did not experience the war firsthand. We, from the post-war generations, enjoy peace and prosperity in Singapore. Even my parents who are now in their 70s have only a vague recollection of what happened because they were just very young kids at that time. It was my late grandfather, who would share with us stories of the Occupation – the food shortages, the illnesses they suffered, and also the lives lost, including that of his brother, my granduncle. He was rounded up with several young men in the village by soldiers then, late at night, and they never returned. So we rely on memories like these, as well as the accounts we have just heard from people like Major Singh and Professor Thumboo. We remember the past in this dark and difficult period of our history.

4. These memories and accounts are part of our history – all the more as we mark our fiftieth year of independence as a nation. As we look back, let us never forget the lessons we have learned about the importance of peace and stability across nations, and the price that comes with violence and conflict. Let us never forget the men, women and children who paid that price.

5. So we are here today to honour those who fought to defend Singapore during the war, including many who made the ultimate sacrifice to do so. Some came from abroad, including distant lands to answer duty's call. They came from Australia, Britain, India, Malaya, Nepal and New Zealand. Others were locals who volunteered to join the militia; people from different background and communities who came together, not yet Singaporeans from the form of identification, but yet unified by a common cause to protect their homes and their loved ones.

6. We are also here to honour the sacrifices and the efforts of our pioneers who endured and survived the war, to rebuild Singapore from the rubble and ashes. They reconstructed the city brick by brick, and contributed to the redevelopment of Singapore.

7. One example is Captain Ho Weng Toh, who is 95 this year, and is here with us today. Captain Ho trained in the States with the US Army Air Force, and became a pilot with the Chinese-American bomber squadron known as the “Flying Tigers”. They were based in the Shanxi province in China, fighting against the Japanese forces then. After the war, he became a commercial pilot and later, he joined Singapore Airlines (SIA), forming the group of pioneers who helped build our national carrier. He trained many pilots, and went on to become a Chief Pilot with SIA before retiring in 1980. Thank you very much, Captain Ho.

8. Captain Ho and countless others inspired us through their actions. We owe them a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid.

9. To all of our veterans and survivors of the war who are here today: we thank you for your sacrifices and contributions. They are all seated in the front row, so perhaps may I ask all of the other guests who are here to stand up, and give a big round of applause to thank all our veterans and pioneers.

10. The fall of Singapore in 1942 and the Occupation that followed was a dark chapter in history. Many innocent people lost their lives; families were separated; there was fear and deprivation.

11. The people of Singapore were forever changed by this crucible of war. That is why, although Singapore's independence as a sovereign nation would be obtained only twenty years later in 1965, the war will forever be embedded in our national memory. The common experience of Occupation strengthened the people's mettle. It shaped their resolve to ensure that their children should never suffer in the same way. It catalysed the building of our nation and forged a common identity out of a community of diverse immigrants.

12. Most crucially, the war had taught the people that we must ourselves defend Singapore and our way of life. We cannot depend on the goodwill of others to do so. And so, on the road to nationhood, Singapore had to find ways to defend itself. The formation of the 1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) in 1957 was a major milestone. 1 SIR will go on to defend Singapore on many fronts, including during the period of Konfrontasi in the 1960s. With us today, are men from the SAF Veterans League. They, and many other pioneers, stepped forth to defend our home and our way of life in times of danger and uncertainty. So, to all our veterans, thank you for your service to the nation.

13. Because of their sacrifices and efforts of pioneers and older generations of Singaporeans, we enjoy peace and prosperity today in Singapore. We have been able to develop our economy, and create opportunities for our people.

14. This would not have been possible without close cooperation with our neighbours and our international partners. Japan's rebirth after the war and its rapid progress has benefitted Singapore and the region. Its strong growth from the 1960s to the 1980s brought about economic cooperation throughout the region, while trade and investments contributed significantly to the development of Singapore. Many Japanese firms set up regional headquarters and plants in Singapore.

15. Today, Singapore and Japan enjoy strong bilateral ties, with mutual appreciation. Many Singaporeans, especially among the young, have a great fondness for Japanese food, heritage and popular culture. Singaporeans enjoy visiting, studying and working in Japan. Likewise, the Japanese community in Singapore plays an important role here in terms of our economic and cultural exchanges.

16. This is living proof that, with sincerity and largeness of spirit on both sides, it is possible to move on. Singapore and Japan have not let any historical grievances stand in the way of our cooperation to pursue a better quality of life for the peoples of both our nations. We have put the past behind us so that future generations can have a brighter tomorrow. So that they can enjoy peace, understanding and mutual respect – the very values that are needed to preserve harmony between nations and prevent future tragedies of war. We have embraced reconciliation; and we hope to one day see the same healing and reconciliation throughout Asia.

17. The world and Singapore today are very different from how things were 70 years ago. But the lessons that were learnt must be passed on to future generations.

18. I am reassured to know that our youths are keen to preserve and learn more about our history. Earlier this year, I read a letter by Jamie Ng. She is a 17 year old polytechnic student who wrote to the Straits Times Youth Forum, suggesting a commemorative event for this 70th anniversary. Jamie has a keen interest in World War II history, and I understand her grandparents experienced the war. She shared with us that the most important thing her World War II studies have taught her is the need to prevent war, and to preserve harmony, understanding and friendship between nations.

19. I am glad that Jamie is with us today, together with many other young people in this room, watching this event. I trust the younger generation will carry these lessons with them and when the time comes, pass the torch to the next generation as well.

20. We can never fully repay the debt we owe to our veterans and pioneers, but we must continue to do our best. And the best way to do this is to remember the price of war, and to continue to uphold the values of courage, resilience and determination that our veterans, survivors and pioneers displayed.

21. So as we learn from history, let us always look ahead to the future and move forward for the common good. Let us be a people that keeps faith with our past; a nation that stands up for its values; a Singapore that we will always be proud to call home.