Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung attended the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event this morning at the Former Ford Factory, marking the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore in World War Two (WWII). A Weapon Presentation Ceremony for the Singapore Armed Forces recruits from the 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment was held at the event, demonstrating our young soldiers' commitment to defence, and their determination to ensure that what happened in WWII will not happen again. As part of the event, the new exhibition Syonan Gallery: War and Its Legacies was officially opened by Minister for Communications and Information Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.

Sharing his thoughts after touring the exhibition, Mr Ong said that the exhibition offered valuable reminders of the hardship that our forefathers faced during the Japanese Occupation and what could happen to us if we cannot defend ourselves. He said, "The painful lessons learnt from Singapore's fall is why National Service (NS) was introduced 50 years ago. Everyone needs to play a part in Total Defence. This includes supporting NS and our National Servicemen. And by staying united, Singapore will be able to overcome all challenges and threats to our society."
 
Total Defence Day commemorated on 15 February every year, is a reminder of what could happen to us if we cannot defend ourselves. It also reminds us of the need to strengthen our resolve to keep Singapore safe and sovereign, and that everyone has a part to play in defending our country.