SINGAPORE, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Thursday held the 51st War Memorial Service in commemoration of the civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation and Total Defence Day Commemoration event.

Almost 1,000 guests, including Singaporean President Halimah Yacob, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ong Ye Kung, and civilian victims' family members, participated in the event.

Yacob said Singaporean people suffered from the three years and eight months of Japanese occupation, which was a time of unspeakable horror, deprivation and suffering.

"Through them, we learn the lesson of not being able to defend our home," she added.

The president called on Singaporean people to do their utmost to protect their sovereignty and way of life. She said a strong defence is the cornerstone of peace, progress and prosperity of Singapore, and Singaporean people must sustain their efforts in building defence, including a strong support for National Service.

The event was organized by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and the Central National Education Office of the Ministry of Defence.

"It shows the resolve of Singapore, as a young nation, to never forget, stay united, and rise above one of the darkest times of our history to build a better and brighter future together," said SCCCI's president Roland Ng.