The Civilian War Memorial is located at the center of the park as a memorial to civilians who died in the Japanese occupation of Singapore during World War II.

When the bodies were unearthed in 1962 in various places, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) decided to gather the remains and create a memorial for them.

On 15 June 1963, in a monumental ceremony attended by VIPs, inter-religious organisations, community leaders and many others, the then Prime Minister officiated at the launch of the Civilian War Memorial project ceremony.

The project was completed and the monument was unveiled on 15 February 1967 in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore.

The park with the Civilian War Memorial is a popular sightseeing venue among tourists and locals.