Cheers to a life well and fully lived. Even as you leave a position empty in our hearts, we remember and celebrate your life, your contributions and your dedication to the Singaporean cause.
You have had your hands in all things Singapore. Singapore is your vision brought to life.
Today I walk down from my workplace and I look across the Singapore River at the Parliament House where you lie in state. It is not difficult to declare that every thing I may set my eyes upon - every landmark, every idea and its conception, a clean Singapore River, the skyscrapers - has your fingerprints all over it.
As a young teenager, I was very passionate about history, especially Singapore's history because it was closer to home. The events and processes that we, as a people, have gone through to break the surface to be where we are right now captivated me. I may not remember many historical details now but we, as a very new nation at that time, had so many pressing problems right from the get-go, that I would think that we would not have made it without your strong leadership, hard-lined approach and a rock-solid vision.
You gave up your life for our country. There is no way I can express my gratitude for the doors opened and opportunities seized through you and your team's effort in our nation-building. In every way, every single one of us Singaporeans have benefitted from your policy-making.
Thank you for your foresight in seeing the potential in Singapore - for continually having faith and conviction in the great Singapore idea and for never giving up on yourself and us. As I write this, I think that without your firm belief and dedication to your Singapore idea, I would not be here writing this because I just might not exist. If Singapore's tumultuous times of the 1960s were to continue, no one would start a family here because post-war conditions would probably be too poor to support families taking root on this tiny island with no natural resources - which means my parents may not have met each other, or gotten married, and resultantly they would not have had children like me and my sisters.
Today as I went to pay my last respects to you at the Parliament House, the great crowds and the systematic, orderly queueing were an extremely heartwarming scene. People from all walks of life were coming down to the city centre to say goodbye in their own ways. Watching the people form up in neat lines, some armed with backpacks stuffed full of snack and drink supplies and decked out in caps and sports shoes... I can't help but smile at how Singaporean we all are in that moment: Kiasu people who are willing, capable and top-notch at our national hobby: queueing. This week, YOU have very evidently brought Singaporeans together and united us as a people. Waiting in line for 2-8 hours? You are worth it.
There is so much more I want to say and these simple words are not enough to appreciate and cover all your contributions to our lives and our future selves.
I wish the Lee family peace in their hearts. That even though you have gone away, you have lived well and long. You have founded and shaped our nation. You have achieved more than any other person in half a century. You have given your all for the benefit of Singapore's current and future generations.
You have our utmost respect and appreciation.
With gratitude, love and reverence,
Louisa Chen
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