Thank you, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew

You'd have probably seen a spam of this picture of the Parliament House uploaded across the various social medias and, here's mine. I joined the queue at 12 midnight from Hong Lim Park and entered to take my bow two hours later. 

Earlier in the day, I had just touchdown from Paris, reached home, when mom told me to on the telly. I scrolled through the programme list and realised there was a broadcast of the gun carriage procession conveying Lee Kuan Yew's body leaving Sri Temasek, Istana, to lay in state at the Parliament House at 9am. I watched. 

It was an emotional sight. Family members walking behind the gun carriage, the eldest grandsons holding onto his portrait, the heavy hearted Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching following behind. From carrying the coffin up into the gun carriage, making sure the flag laid over the coffin was draped properly with the crest and stars atop the deceased head close to the heart, everyone made sure everything was done to perfection, the best they could, clearly showing the respect this great man deserved. As the bagpiper performed Auld Lang Syne in the foreground of a clear blue sky and a half-mast flag, the thought of Lee Kuan Yew leaving us gradually hit me. 

Goodbyes are never easy. 

The gun carriage moved off accompanied with a convoy, set to leave the Istana for the last time. Passing through the greenery and places in the Istana, these spots didn't mean anything to me, but for a man who frequented this place, working in his office or just spending time in the Istana, there must have had many memories forged and amusing stories to tell that we will never know. 

The gun carriage made it's way out of the gates of the Istana. The first glimpse of Mr Lee for the citizens of Singapore who had lined along the procession route, some since the previous night. Shouts of 'I love yous', '一路走好', people clapping emerged from the loyal crowd. At one point, I saw people throwing bouquets and flowers onto the road as his gun carriage went past. 

There were so many people standing in line for him. Just for him. 

When the gun carriage finally approached the Parliament House, the overwhelming chants of his name was heard so clearly, even via the television broadcast. 

"Lee Kuan Yew! Lee Kuan Yew! Lee Kuan Yew!", they shouted with passion and heartbreak at the same time. Could you hear the people, Sir? :'( 

I honestly never imagined I'd be so affected but when it finally dawned upon me, it felt unexpectedly personal. I am 24 this year and some may comment that I had not been born in his era when I could really experience his influence first-hand. I may not have attended rallies by him back in those days when he fought so hard for the country and his visioned ideals he set out for Her, but I am aware of what he wanted for us and how it all come through and materialised over the years. Growing up, I saw transformation. 

We are not where we are over days or months, but it's because of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, his team, their slogging for decades that we are where we are today. 

Because of Meritocracy, it allows us an equal platform across the boards, creating fair opportunities for each individual. It instills the thought that we will be rewarded as long as we work towards our goals, moulding us to be hardworking and useful to the society. No pulling strings generally whatsoever. Nontheless, I have to admit it has surfaced a kiasu syndrome in Singaporeans that we need to learn to deal with and weigh what we want in life and what life means to you. 

Racial harmony breaks down barriers amongst the community and allows people to see each other for who they are inside and in turn embrace our differences and not judge people regardless of race, language, or religion quoting the Singapore Pledge. (Note: It is also why we have all the awesome food from difference races and cultures in one place.) The other day, my friend and I were showed the middle finger when we were at the metro, let's just mention overseas, just because we were Asians. Talk about racism. In this aspect itself, I think we have done a darn good job. 

Strict laws are imposed to strive to achieve low crime rates. No doubt, I feel safe and secure living in my garden city homeland. Something that Mr. Lee Kuan Yew strongly felt for too, a clean and green country. 

For the reasons above, just to name a few, there is a lot to be very thankful for. 

The entire morning, I kept tearing from time to time, watching TV specials, YouTube videos of past rallies and interviews all about Mr Lee Kwan Yew. I must say, only till his passing did I actually get to know him a tad better, bit by bit. I was so touched by his dedication to the country as I watched how he aged throughout the videos/pictures but never showing signs of slowing down to do his best to contribute to the country till the date before he was admitted to hospital. I always knew he was an influential and respected figure. But as of today, I figured the magnitude of his influence he has not only on Singapore but the world, is beyond massive. From the actions people have done to pay tributes to him, to highly respected people around the world coming to pay respect to him. 

Yesterday as I stood in line, I felt so comforted. That Singaporeans were rallying together in times of a mourning period like this to show unity and love for one another. People were giving us water and bread as we queued, just to make the wait more bearable. And when I read on social media that some business actually laid chairs outside their organisations so people could take a seat whilst waiting, and even a florist giving out free flowers for people to bring to the Parliament House, it really touched my heart. And of course, just seeing how many people turn up to stand in line just to pay their last respect really shows how much he means to the people. The wait was nothing compared to what you have done for us and I'm glad I was able to join the queue too, it was the least I could do. 

Was it on purpose that the line brought us along significant buildings and places in Singapore? UOB Plaza, Raffles City, Marina Bay Sands, Asian Civilisation Museum, Boat Quay, Fullerton Hotel. It's like showing and reminding us how beautiful and how far we have come. 

“I did what I thought was right, given the circumstances, given my knowledge at the time, given the pressures on me at the time. That’s finished, done. I move forward. You keep on harking back, it’s just wasting time.”

"I have no regrets. I have spend my life, most 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." —Lee Kuan Yew, The Hard Truth

And with this, thank you, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE LIKE YOU. 

I am so proud to have you as a Father. From a fishing village to a unique metropolitan city. You build a nation we can call home and for that I am forever grateful. And thank you for showing us true love exists. Be reunited with your love, Sir. 

Rest in Peace, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. 

[To Dear Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong:  I know it is not easy for you. In times like this, you may even just want to keep to your family and mourn. But you had to address the country on your father's passing. I guess sometimes we just think that you are superhuman. But know that you are human and give yourself time to heal. Stay strong our Dear PM. My deepest condolences to you and your family.]