War Memorial (chopsticks)

War Memorial
Artist: 
Swan & Maclaren
Patron: 
Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Government of Singapore
First Placed in Singapore: 
1964
Current Location: 
War Memorial Park
Label
Text of label: 

This Memorial was erected by the people of Singapore through the efforts of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Assistance of the Government from funds donated by the government and people of Singapore. It was unveiled on February 15, 1967, by the Prime Minister

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With care and everlasting sorrow this memorial is dedicated in memory of those of our civilians who were killed between February 15, 1942 and August 18, 1945, when the Japanese armed forces occupied Singapore.

entry: 

The inscriptions are scrupulously evenly divided between English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.

Comments

An effective monument - much under-appreciated

Submitted by Peter Schoppert on Wed, 12/24/2008 - 11:51.

Rather effective when you go up close. The claustrophobia in the space between the four linked columns works well to induce one to a contemplative mood. The space at the base of the monument works well as a metaphor for the idea of the linkage and mutual dependence of these four language groups to Singapore.

But the impact of this monument has been diluted. Road widening has reduced the size of the square where the monument is set. The access structures to City Link Mall distract, and now it looks like the space will also be compromised by the need to build Formula 1 grandstands each year. Worst of all: the over-bright and over-large video screen on the wall of Suntec City distracts very badly from the mood of the monument.