ON A recent trip to Singapore, I again visited the Kranji War Memorial site. I am a proud Australian, appreciative of the sacrifices made for the Commonwealth of Nations and the presentation and maintenance of this site is so beautiful.
At the entrance gates, there was a group of people, probably aged between seven and 50 years old, and numbering at least 30. They were apparently enjoying some sort of competitive run and were in high spirits. The members of this group approached the memorial site, running, shouting and exhibiting great exuberance. Their task was to identify a group of names from one of the walls, have their photograph taken and then report to the team leader.
I found their behaviour most inappropriate and spoke to a woman who seemed to be one of the supervisors. She told me the group was from the Rock of Ages Church and they were having a fun day out. She said she "supposed" they knew the significance of their chosen recreation spot.
My husband and I were not the only people visiting the site but the fun-lovers were pushing their way around the walls with no respect or, I suspect, awareness of the symbolism of this beautiful and (usually) serene place of memory.
I watched the members carefully and not one even gave a glance at a single headstone. I cried as I walked between the rows of young people who gave their lives and I became quite angry.
The lawns and gardens are maintained so beautifully and so respectfully that I was shocked to see the grounds used as a public park, and so I feel compelled to bring the matter to your attention.
Margaret Carleton (Ms)
Ahh... I meant no dis-respect but if Ms Carleton wan to feel serenity, maybe she can try chua chu kang cem at night...
The dead gave their lives so their descendants could play with less care to the world...what's wrong with that?
no alot of people go there take photos also show disrespect for the palce. cosplayers and their GWCs, and some GWCs with their models wannabes. totally no respect for the place. they take photo of the scenery there and the memories of the dead who sacrificed in WW2 is fine. but these group of GWCs and moller wannabes really show no respect by using the scenery there for the ebnefit of their photos shoots. really knnbccb
Please respect those who died for this country.
No respect for the dead. No respect for the people who fought for and died for this country.
Good thing she revealed the name of the organisation, which deserves to shamed!
They should visit a cemetery in France and see what happens to them.
These idiots have no respect and have no idea how terrible war is.