Civilian War Memorial, Singapore

The Civilian War Memorial stands as a significant war memorial and historical site in Singapore, situated adjacent to the Esplanade MRT station. It was constructed in honor of the civilians who lost their lives during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II. Nestled amidst the bustling city traffic, close to Singapore's Padang and City Hall, the Civilian War Memorial occupies a peaceful parkland setting.

This memorial was officially designated as the 65th national memorial on August 15, 2013. The architectural design of the memorial was conceived by Leong Swee Lim from Swan & Maclaren Architects, which secured the first prize in an open design competition. This design remains one of Leong's most renowned and influential contributions to Singapore's architectural landscape. The four identical pillars, towering at a height of 70 meters (230 feet) each, symbolize the shared history and unity among the four major ethnic groups in Singapore: Chinese, Eurasian, Indian, and Malay.

Construction of the memorial was finalized in January 1967, and on February 15 of the same year, it was officially unveiled by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The Civilian War Memorial holds a special place among Singapore's heritage landmarks, embodying the values of a multi-ethnic and multicultural city. This unity serves as a cornerstone for Singapore's contemporary success, harmony, and prosperity. Annually, on February 15, a memorial service takes place at the Civilian War Memorial to pay tribute to the war's victims.