The former Municipal Building, City Hall and soon to be part of the National Art Gallery has witnessed many a historic occasion in Singapore’s time including the surrender of the Japanese during the end of World War II, the first raising of the national flag, and the proclamation of independence from colonial rule. Today it is the backdrop to the Formula One night race, and sometimes the backdrop to our National Day Parades.

What other events was the City Hall witness to? Peter Chan recounts some significant events in our country’s past:

Wait! Let’s rewind the clock and see what else we could have over-looked. A memorable event for me was in 1962 when we were taught by teachers to sing a special jingle because Singapore was going to be a part of Malaysia, together with the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak and British North Borneo. This jingle was broadcast on the air-wave and became an instant hit with listeners. To celebrate the occasion Malam Malaysia was held at City Hall and there were thousands of people on the Padang. That night, we heard for the first time Malaysia Forever. People of my generation would surely know these catchy lyrics.

What were these lyrics? To read them, and also other momentous events at City Hall, you’ll have to read Peter Chan’s guest post on Chun See’s blog, Good Morning Yesterday. Check it out here.