Lee Kuan Yew

Singapore lost it's founding father and first Prime Minister a couple weeks ago.  The country went into a week of mourning.  The pictures I have attached are all from the Straits Times (newspaper) online posts.  It was fascinating to see a small (physically) country of 6 million people stop and react in a way that I suppose would have been normal in our country in a similar situation.  Many Americans were overheard explaining to others that Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is Singapore's "George Washington."  Mr. Lee will be the most influential person in Singapore's history...ever.  I first learned of him when Jeremy brought home a book "From Third World to First" not too long after we moved into our D.C. house.  Just 50 years ago, Singapore had been under British rule, joined with Malaysia, and then became it's own country...very, very modern and commerce-centered.  Mr. Lee was at the helm of all of this and for the next 30 years.

Day 1--Lee Kuan Yew passes away in the early morning hours.  The flag above the Istana (palace) is lowered to half-mast, his body is moved from Singapore General Hospital to the Istana for a private viewing.

Day 2--outpouring of love and respect are shown immediately through black ribbons on shirts, lowering of the flag at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, images of LKY everywhere, and more.

Day 3--Mr. Lee's body is moved from Istana to Parliament house for public viewing.

Day 4--Hundreds of thousands lined up each day to pay their respects.

Day 5--and continued to line up.  The military began practicing protocols late at night and in the early mornings.

Day 6--the lines continue to grow longer.  Many, many, many President's and Prime Ministers and religious leaders with other family members and dignitaries come, as well.   The U.S. had former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (pictured--with wife of current Prime Minister, who is the son of LKY and SG's 3rd PM) arrive before the funeral service.

Day 7--the funeral procession.  Also referred to as "the day the heaven's cried."  Singaporean's fully lined the 15.4km journey from Istana to the National University of Sinagpore Culture Centre passing by key buildings and communities.  Jeremy and I took the kids to a local Singaporean church ward for normal Sunday services that morning, as our church services are in the afternoon, so that we could come home to watch the live procession and the memorial service.  Following the service, Mr. Lee's body was taken to the Mandai Crematoriam for cremation.