65 years ago, Singapore fell into the hands of the growing power, Japan. Just how would life be for the people?

Our little island home was renamed Syonan-to (Light of the South) by the Japanese. It is ironic how our country was named so gloriously, yet the people treated so harshly as this period of Japanese rule was regarded as the darkest period of Singapore’s history.

Civilians were treated harshly by the Japanese military Secret Police, the Kempeitai. Campaigns like the Sook Ching Massacre were held to wipe out the pro-British civilians within the population.

Civilians lived their lives in constant fear as they never knew what they could expect the next day.

The drop of the 2 atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6th and 9th August by the US turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the civilians. Within 6 days of the bombings, the Japanese surrendered to the British, henceforth ending the dark days.

Looking at this artefact- the surrender agreement of the Japanese, I am reminded of how we must not take for granted the defence of Singapore. It was not an easy journey for the past leaders to shape Singapore into what she is today. Much sweat, blood and tears were shed in order for us to enjoy the wealth and properity we receive today.

We should all be grateful to our forefathers as they were the ones who sacrificed their lives for the uncertain future. They fought for their future, for the future of their fellow citizens and fought for the future of Singapore.

Let us all remember them for their great acts of bravery and lets not have them sacrificed their lives in vain.

Tags: SGCool Contest, Allied leaflet of Japanese Surrender (in Chinese), National Museum of Singapore