The nation mourns

At 6AM, my phone rang. I squinted my sleepy eyes to read the messages from one of the group chats. It went something like, "sad.... My bro told me at 4am....." The actual message meant to be read as, Mr LKY had passed away on 23 March 2015 at 3.18AM.
 

Dear Mr Lee, you wept for the nation in 1965. Today, the nation weeps for you. Today will also be remembered as one of the saddest day in Singapore's history as the nation mourns for the loss of a great man. It is with much regrets that you would not be able to celebrate SG50 with us. Thank you for everything you had done for Singapore. We will always remember you. Rest in peace Mr Lee.

 

At 8am, Mr Lee Hsien Long gave a national address on channelnewsasia. His eyes turned red and he had to pause to compose himself. It was heart-breaking to watch.

His speeches in Mandarin and English

 "今天，我们失去了一位敬爱的领袖，建国总理李光耀先生。李先生在我们心目中的地位是无可替代的，他与人民建立了深厚的感情，深受人民的爱戴。在李先生住院期间，各阶层人士通过不同的方式表达了大家的关怀和慰问。这给了李先生和我家人很大的安慰。我谨代表家属向大家致以最衷心的感谢。”
李总理说到这里，一度哽咽。他接着说：“由始至终，李先生最关心的就是新加坡的存亡。他把一生奉献给新加坡，致力团结全国人民，激发大家自力更生。在他的领导下，我国成功从第三世界晋升第一世界，成为一个让人民引以为豪的家园。他的离去对新加坡和我家人是个巨大的损失。"

"The first of our founding fathers is no more. He inspired us, gave us courage, kept us together, and brought us here. He fought for our independence, built a nation where there was none, and made us proud to be Singaporeans. We won’t see another like him. "

"To many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore. As Prime Minister, he pushed us hard to achieve what had seemed impossible. After he stepped down, he guided his successors with wisdom and tact. In old age, he continued to keep a watchful eye on Singapore. "

"Singapore was his abiding passion. He gave of himself, in full measure, to Singapore. As he himself put it towards the end of his life: 'I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life. "

"I am grieved beyond words at the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. I know that we all feel the same way. But even as we mourn his passing, let us also honour his spirit. Let us dedicate ourselves as one people to build on his foundations, strive for his ideals, and keep Singapore exceptional and successful for many years to come. May Mr Lee Kuan Yew rest in peace."
 

Video in English PM Lee-I-am-grieved

 

Video in Mandarin PM Lee-National Address in Mandarin

 

From the PMO

Mr Lee’s body will lie in state at Parliament House from Wednesday to Saturday, for the public to pay their respects. Those who wish to pay their last respects at Parliament House can do so from 10am to 8pm daily from Wednesday to Saturday.

 

 

Lastly, my favourite amongst Mr Lee's interviews, “Could I have lived my life differently? Maybe yes. But probably not. At each stage, I made what was then the best choice. Having taken that decision, I changed direction and there was no turning back”.