One Man, One Nation, One Spirit
What is it about this man, whose passing so moved the nation, that they turned up in droves to pay their last respects, braving the sweltering heat, rain, fatigue, just to bow their heads before his casket? Notably, the queue for the lying in state stretches from 5 to 10 hours or more, and had to be suspended at one point . Those who queued for hours earlier patiently waited for it to be resumed.
The response is almost instinctive – they want to be part of a historic moment in time, as a part of a nation, to say thank-you and goodbye to the man who was largely instrumental in shaping and moulding this nation. As someone has penned ” 50 years ago, he cried for us. 50 years later, we cry for him “
A’s Account
I am the proud mother of a 15 year old who was part of this long queue. She decided that she wanted to do it, on her own, simply because somehing inside of her compelled her to. ” There is no more priority queue for students”, I reminded her. ” That’s ok, mommy, ” was the stoic response. So she did it, giving us periodic updates of her progress in the line, and even venturing to entreat us to join her in the queue when it is ” about 2 hours away”. I must admit I was sorely tempted, since I arrived earlier at 6 am, balked at the announcement that the queue will be ” 8 hours long”, then chickened out. It is either I queue for myself, or nothing.
For A, it added to some 5-6 hours, give or take a couple of minutes. ” How was it?” I asked. ” How did you feel?” ” I learnt so many things about Mr Lee which I did not know before, how much he did for our country…we have to live up to what he has left behind and not let him down.” ” What was it like in the queue?” I persisted. ” We encountered this elderly lady who kept on and on about how Mr Lee spent so much time on the nation that he had no personal life or family time. I rolled my eyes and said that he was very much a family man and cared for them dearly, especially his wife.” Again, that wave of pride in my daughter standing up in defence of the man she respects.
A may not realise it now, but I am sure that years from now, she will look back on this day and it will strike a chord, etched deeply in her heart, to be shared with future generations in our family.
A Non Singaporean’s Account
My Irish friend waited in line for 3 1/2 hours. He has made Singapore his home for the last 20 years or so, and this ang-mo is as Singaporean as ever can be. He recounted that he was greeted by PM, ministers and other officials dressed in white. ” It felt very personal, like attending a wake of a relative, with all the cousins in tow.” He made this statement which struck me to the core – ” There is such a Singapore spirit, the original Singapore spirit, which we have not seen or lost for the last ten years” If ever there is such a thing as a Singapore spirit, this is it and I am a part of it.
The Singapore Spirit
We have been well known for being perennial whiners and complainers. Add “kiasu” for good measure. As the days unfold during the week of mourning, we saw random acts of kindness – shop owners offering free water and food; volunteers offering free umbrellas paid out of their own pockets; taxi drivers offering free rides to the queue venue for the handicapped: each creating its own ripple effect, stirring even more to offer yet another gratuitous gesture of graciousness toward their fellow men in the long, meandering lineup.This is the Singapore spirit – together in solidarity, doing our little bit to pay homage to the man who did so much for us throughout his entire life.
G’s small part
G has the honour and privilege to serve as part of the vigil team at Parliament House. I want to be in his shoes. He will have his story to tell.
A Separate Queue
As for me, I joined a queue of a different sort – at the Tanjong Pagar CC Tribute Centre. The mood was sombre even as endless throngs stood in line to bow, lay flowers and sign the condolence books. Fighting back a tear, this is what I wrote:
” We will remember and honour you. Your spirit lives on in our hearts. The present and future generations will continue to reap the fruits of the seeds of transformation you have sowed – to make Singapore a safe home and haven for us to live, work and play. Thank You, Mr Lee, Sir. ”
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