Total Defense Day in Singapore

Date: February 15

History: Total Defense Day in Singapore commemorates the British surrender to Japanese forces on February 15, 1942, which resulted in the occupation of Singapore during World War II. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of national resilience and defense.

Traditions and Observance:

• Moment of Remembrance: A siren is sounded at 12:05 PM to mark the exact time of the surrender, prompting a moment of silence across the nation.
• Educational Activities: Schools and educational institutions engage students in activities that emphasize the significance of Total Defense, often including storytelling sessions about wartime experiences.
• National Campaigns: The government and organizations launch campaigns to promote awareness about various aspects of Total Defense, which include military defense, civil defense, economic defense, social defense, psychological defense, and digital defense.
• Exhibitions and Events: Museums and public spaces may host exhibitions or interactive displays that highlight Singapore's wartime history and resilience strategies.
• Community Engagement: Activities like emergency preparedness workshops or community bonding events are held to strengthen societal ties and readiness for potential crises.

On Total Defense Day, citizens are encouraged to reflect on their role in contributing to Singapore's security and stability.