And so we stood up still from our sofas, eyes slowly welling up with tears as a soldier started playing a piece on his bagpipes. Following that was a minute of silence. Right after that, we recited the pledge and sang the national anthem.
I've never felt so sad for our nation before. The last of our founding fathers, Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away on Monday and together with his family, the nation and the rest of the world mourned the lost of a great man for a week. Throughout the week, CNA broadcasted Mr LKY's old speeches and rallies in light of his passing. I was never one who was interested in politics. I thought it was boring and as long as my life was going alright and where I'm living isn't going through any difficult situation or circumstance, I didn't bother much. However this past week has changed my perspective.
I've heard stories of how Mr Lee was a very strict and stern dictator, who was not afraid to speak his mind even if the things he said were not what people agreed with. I've heard bits and pieces regarding politics among the "adult talk" during family gatherings where they discussed about the PAP/WP etc. This week, I read the opposite. I read on how Mr Lee built this nation from a third world country to a first class metropolis. I read about his determination to continue fighting for this little red dot even after the devastating split from Malaysia. I read about how he formed good, long-lasting and even close relationships with diplomats and ministers all over the world, which eventually led to Singapore being recognised globally. What touched me the most were of course stories that were more personal, stories from his younger brother Mr Lee Suan Yew and children, even stories about his love life with his late wife. He cared so much not just for the nation, but also did not fail to neglect his family.
What killed me the most was watching snippets of him and his wife, moments when they were younger where pictures showed them young and in love and even till old age, they still looked out for each other and their love continued to blossom deeper each day. Who can forget when his wife passed away, he laid a rose on her and kissed his lips with his palm and put it onto her repeatedly?
The past week was a long week but it showed me for once the true Singapore spirit and unity of the nation. Forget all the national day parades you've seen on TV the past many years, this week was a week where everyone from all walks of life came together and helped each other especially when thousands of Singaporeans queued to pay their respects to Mr LKY at the Parliament house over the past few days. Citizens gave out water, drinks, snacks and even umbrellas to shield the people from the scorching sun. Despite the long queues, people waited patiently without complaining and this was a first I've seen! Foreign diplomats and leaders even came down for the state funeral. This goes to show how much of a respect people and leaders had for Mr LKY!
I've never felt so sad but at the same time proud of my country before. Thank you Mr LKY for building this mud land up from the bottom to the top. I get to live in this metropolis feeling safe and secure, knowing my future is in good hands thanks to your (and the other founding fathers) foresight. I dare say that Singapore would not be what she is today if not for your hard labour and dedication to this nation. Even till your old age, you still had this country in mind all day and I'm amazed at how you still continually learnt Mandarin EVERY SINGLE DAY to make sure you won't forget this root of yours! It was definitely a very, very sad moment when I recited the pledge and sang the national anthem today because I know we've lost a special and honourable man and I really could not help but cry. But yet, I rejoice because you have done a fantastic job and I truly salute your efforts! I have so much respect for you Mr LKY, and for that I am eternally grateful and proud to call myself a Singaporean. 50 years ago, you cried for our nation. 50 years later, our nation cries for you. May you rest in peace.
Click here to watch a simple tribute video.
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