Sunday 29 March 2015

Former US President Bill Clinton among world leaders attending Lee Kuan's funeral

World leaders joined thousands of people to pay their final respects to Singapore's 'founding father' Lee Kuan Yew. Above, his casket at the University Cultural Centre

World leaders joined thousands of people to pay their final respects to Singapore's 'founding father' Lee Kuan Yew earlier today.
Crowds of Singaporeans waving flags braved heavy rain and lined the streets to catch a last glimpse of Lee as his coffin was taken by gun carriage on a 15km procession.See more pictures after the cut...
Former U.S President Bill Clinton flew to Singapore for the funeralLeader of the House of Commons William Hague attended the ceremony alongside 2,200 other people

Leader of the House of Commons William Hague, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also attended the ceremony alongside 2,200 other people.
Lee, who died aged 91 on Monday, was Singapore's first prime minister and is credited with transforming the country from a small, colonial British trading port into one of the world's wealthiest city states.
His death has prompted an unprecedented show of mourning. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee's son, battled tears as he delivered a 40-minute eulogy in English, Malay and Chinese.
He said: 'His was the original Singapore Roar - passionate, formidable and indomitable.
'To those who seek Mr Lee Kuan Yew's monument, Singaporeans can reply proudly: "Look around you."'
Thousands of people gathered to see a 21-gun salute in the city's business district as the procession passed by
Members of the public saluted the casket, which was covered in a flag, and shouted 'Lee Kuan Yew' 

Lee, who died aged 91 on Monday, was Singapore's first prime minister and is credited with transforming the country from a small, colonial British trading port into one of the world's wealthiest city states

His body was transferred atop a gun carriage and was followed by multiple vans, vehicles and motorbikes

Grieving residents even sat on the wet floor under umbrellas as they waited for the casket to pass them

Commercial activity in the country slowed for the ceremony as police tried to keep people off the roads

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) arrives at the centre alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) arrives at the centre alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right)

Indonesia President Joko Widodo (left) was accompanied by his wife Iriana Joko Widodo (right)

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was supported by two women as he arrived. He was firm friends with Lee

Prime Minister of Laos Thongsing Thammavong (left) and Singaporean Minister Grace Fu (right) arrive wearing black

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee's son, battled tears as he delivered a 40-minute eulogy in English, Malay and Chinese 

A minute of silence is observed during the state funeral. The casket was surrounded by beautiful flowers 

Hundreds of officials in white and black uniforms also marched alongside the casket despite getting soaking wet

As booms from a 21-gun salute reverberated, fighter jets flew overhead in a 'missing man' formation and two navy ships near the marina made an 'L' 'K' 'Y' signal with their flags

A guard of honour marches outside Parliament House for the state funeral procession of the former prime minister

Eight military pallbearers carry the coffin into the centre after its 15km procession through the streets

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