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)