As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong took to the stage yesterday during the state funeral to deliver the first eulogy for the late Lee Kuan Yew, it was apparent that he was struggling with emotions during some parts as he grappled to speak of his father not as his son, but as a leader of nation formally addressing to the world.
The elder Lee governed the country for three decades, stepping down in 1992. His eldest son Lee Hsien Loong followed his footsteps in politics and took office as Prime Minister since 2004.
It was only after the State Funeral Service that PM Lee shed his suit and delivered another eulogy at Mandai Crematorium & Columbarium during the private cremation service, this time as a son.
Lovingly referring to Lee Kuan Yew as Papa, PM Lee recounted various anecdotes growing up under him, paying tribute to his role as a father and a family man.
"Papa had a long and full life. He was healthy, active and vigorous, until advanced old age. He used to say that life is a marathon, not a sprint. Papa’s marathon is done. He went away peacefully. "He will leave a big hole in our lives, and in our hearts. But his values, his love, and his words — these will stay with us, inspire us, and live on in us for a long, long time.
"Farewell, and rest in peace, Papa."
Photo: Terence Tan / Lee Hsien Loong Facebook page
As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong took to the stage yesterday during the state funeral to deliver the first eulogy for the late Lee Kuan Yew, it was apparent that he was struggling with emotions during some parts as he grappled to speak of his father not as his son, but as a leader of nation formally addressing to the world.
The elder Lee governed the country for three decades, stepping down in 1992. His eldest son Lee Hsien Loong followed his footsteps in politics and took office as Prime Minister since 2004.
It was only after the State Funeral Service that PM Lee shed his suit and delivered another eulogy at Mandai Crematorium & Columbarium during the private cremation service, this time as a son.
Lovingly referring to Lee Kuan Yew as Papa, PM Lee recounted various anecdotes growing up under him, paying tribute to his role as a father and a family man.
"Papa had a long and full life. He was healthy, active and vigorous, until advanced old age. He used to say that life is a marathon, not a sprint. Papa’s marathon is done. He went away peacefully. "He will leave a big hole in our lives, and in our hearts. But his values, his love, and his words — these will stay with us, inspire us, and live on in us for a long, long time.
"Farewell, and rest in peace, Papa."
Photo: Terence Tan / Lee Hsien Loong Facebook page