2012 marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of World War II in Southeast Asia and the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese. This was the darkest chapter in Singapore’s story. This fateful event cuts across all Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion, and speaks of how together as one, we survived extreme hardship and emerged stronger as an independent nation and people. To commemorate this important period in our history, the National Heritage Board and partners have organised a series of events to remember the many people who fought for Singapore’s freedom.