Konfrontasi Memorial to remind S'poreans to stay united and resilient in fight against terrorism
The Konfrontasi memorial ceremony served to remember those who lost their lives and suffered, and honour the volunteers and soldiers who had fought and fallen during Konfrontasi. Photo: SAF Veterans’ League
SINGAPORE — More than 180 people attended a memorial ceremony on Friday (March 10) to mark the day the MacDonald House in Orchard Road was bombed 52 years ago.
The deadly attack on March 10, 1965, was one of more than 40 acts of sabotage committed by Indonesian agents during the Konfrontasi (Confrontation) period from 1963 to 1966, in opposition to the newly-formed Federation of Malaysia, which included Singapore. The bombing left three people dead and 33 injured.
Friday’s ceremony, held at the Konfrontasi Memorial site near MacDonald House, was to remember those who had lost their lives, as well as honour the volunteers and soldiers who had fought and fallen during those troubled times.
It was organised by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Veterans’ League, and attendees included survivors and families of those who lost their lives in the bombing, and veterans from the First and Second Battalions, Singapore Infantry Regiment who were deployed during Konfrontasi.
Brigadier-General (NS) Winston Toh, president of the SAF Veterans’ League, pointing to the fall of Singapore in World War II 75 years ago and the Konfrontasi years, said Singapore must never take its peace and security for granted.
He added that “as the threats and challenges we face become increasingly complex… we need Total Defence to build a society that is united, resilient and prepared for what may come our way”.
