SINGAPORE -- Singapore held state funeral for its founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in the downpour on Sunday at the University Cultural Center (UCC), National University of Singapore.
Braving the rain, thousands thronged the streets to bid farewell to Lee Kuan Yew.
Delivering the first of 10 eulogies at the funeral, his son, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said his father "lived and breathed" Singapore all his life.
He recalled his father's life story detailing how he built Singapore into the successful nation it is today.
"he instilled discipline and order -- ensuring that in Singapore," Lee Hsien Loong said, "He enabled his economic team to design and carry out their plans to attract investment, grow the economy and create prosperity and jobs."
"The light that has guided us all these years has been extinguished," Lee said, but adding that his principles and ideals continue to invigorate Singaporean government and to guide Singaporeans.
At the end of his eulogy, the prime minister called on the Singaporeans to continue building Singapore, shaping the country into a great metropolis reflecting the ideals his father fought for.
Singapore's President Tony Tan Keng Yam hailed Lee Kuan Yew and the founding generation laid the foundation for the country.
He also called on all Singaporeans to honor Lee Kuan Yew by working together to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for Singapore.
Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and seven speakers delivered their eulogies to pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew respectively. The nation observed a minute of silence to mourn the passing of Lee Kuan Yew after all eulogies were delivered by the speakers.
About 2200 guests attended the funeral service at UCC. Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attended the funeral service as a special envoy of Chinese President Xi jinping.
