Live Blog Day 7: State Funeral of Mr Lee Kuan Yew

7.25pm: New Zealand's Governor-General Jerry Mateparae was spotted signing the condolence book for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the University Cultural Centre earlier today.

Photo: MINDEF

6.56pm: As at 6pm, 1.2 million residents had visited the 18 Community Tribute Sites to pay their last respects to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. 

6.10pm: Mr Lee Kuan Yew's cortege arrives at Mandai Crematorium. The crowd lining the streets clap, shout their thanks and chant his name.

5.45pm: Some 140 Singaporeans living in Vancouver attended an unofficial memorial event earlier today for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The event was organised by an ordinary Singaporean Ciel Liu Bei, after she found out that Singapore Consulate General in Canada, and Vancouver Singapore Club were not holding a memorial.

She started a Facebook Group, rented a space and asked for people to help.  During the 3 hour-long memorial, videos were screened about Mr Lee's life as well as reports of what has been happening in the last few days from Singapore, followed by 1 minute of silence in memory of Mr Lee's life and contribution. A condolence book was also available for signing, with some people waiting an hour before getting a chance to write their messages on the book. 

Photos: Ciel Liu Bei

5.44pm: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his family members have arrived at Mandai Crematorium.

Videos: Xue Jianyue/TODAY

5.15pm: People waiting outside the NUS UCC wave and shout "Goodbye Mr Lee!" and "Thank you, sir!" as the procession passes them on the way to Mandai Crematorium. 

Photo/Video: Yvonne Lim, Kelly Ng/TODAY

5.05pm: Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat (right) and Mrs Heng observing in tears as the coffin of the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew departs the University Cultural Centre after the State Funeral Service.

Photos: Don Wong/TODAY

4.50pm: Over at Mandai Crematorium, crowds gather. Some of them have brought national flags. At Clementi Road, people line the street waiting for the cortege to leave NUS for Mandai. 

Photo: Xue Jianyue, Kelly Ng/TODAY

4.45pm: Crowds all over the island were earlier seen observing one minute of silence. They then recited the National Pledge and sang the National Anthem. Trains also stopped at stations, with their doors open.

The Star Vista:

Bedok:

Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre:

Queensway:

National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre

Jurong MRT station:

Photos: Angela Teng, Jason Ho, Robin Choo, Low Weixin, Don Wong, Tristan Loh/TODAY

4.43pm: Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral has ended. The cortege will move to Mandai Crematorium for a private service.

4.38pm: The Pledge and the National Anthem are recited. 

4.37pm: Singapore observes a minute of silence to mourn the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

4.35pm: A lone bugler from the SAF Military Band sounds the Last Post. Traditionally, the Last Post marks the end of the day's labour and the onset of the night's rest. In the context of a funeral, it represents a final salute to the deceased.

The SCDF Public Warning System siren sounds for 15 seconds to rally everyone in Singapore to observe a minute of silence. The siren will be sounded again to mark the end of the minute of silence.

4.33pm: PM Lee Hsien Loong lays a wreath on behalf of the family while President Tony Tan Keng Yam lays a wreath on behalf of the State. 

4.16pm: Second son Lee Hsien Yang will now deliver his eulogy for the family.

"Singapore has lost the father to our nation. For my family we have lost our beloved father and grandfather. We are bereft.

"Papa was immersed in his work for much of my childhood. In September 1998, when he gave Fern and me our copy of his book, “The Singapore Story”, in it, he penned a note with a tinge of regret: 'To Yang + Fern, You grew up while I was running around as I describe in this book.”

"...I know that growing up as his son, I have also been privileged to have witnessed what it means to be a good man, a good husband and a good father and grandfather."

"...to the grandchildren, he was always Ye Ye, and to Fern and me, he was and will always be Papa. We will miss him dearly.

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief and affection. We have been touched beyond words by the many Singaporeans who have braved the elements to pay their last respects at all hours of the night and day. ...

"Please accept my family’s inadequate but deep and heartfelt thanks. We know our loss is your loss too, and that the loss is deep and keenly felt. We are humbled that so many have come forward to demonstrate your affection for, respect of and gratitude to - my extraordinary father, a father we share - with Singapore.

"Farewell Papa."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

4.08pm: Former journalist Cassandra Chew will now deliver her eulogy

"It was clear that even at home, his focus was on his work. It didn't matter to him that his furniture was more than 60 years old and outdated. They served their purpose and that was all that mattered."

"We moved to the living room, which was also a very private space because it was where the late Mrs Lee was remembered. Her photographs were displayed in two rows above her urn, and I was told Mr Lee would gaze at them daily as he had his meals.

"I could feel how much Mr Lee missed his late wife. She was his partner, his anchor, for more than 63 years."

"I had been reflecting on what I was learning about Mr Lee, as a person and founder of independent Singapore, and had just begun to understand just how much he and his family had sacrificed to ensure Singapore’s success. I realised how much I had taken for granted, and how much more I had to thank him for.

"Mr Lee, thank you for everything. Some days I cannot believe how fortunate I am to have been born a Singaporean. We don’t have everything, but we have more than most, because of your lifelong labour. On behalf of young Singaporeans everywhere, I’d like to say: thank you."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

4.02pm: Tanjong Pagar community leader Leong Chun Loong will now deliver his eulogy

"His departure is not only a loss to the country but also a deep personal loss for myself."

"During constituency dinners, Mr Lee would usually like to sit with grassroots leaders so that he could talk to them."

"When Mr Lee heard that his old friends were doing well and leading good lives, his face would light up with pride."

"Even though Mr Lee is no longer with us, his legacy is something that we Singaporeans will always remember."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

3.51pm: Trade unionist G Muthukumarasamy will now deliver his eulogy

"During the old days, most Indian families had single incomes because they did not allow their women to work."

"Mr Lee wanted to pave a pathway for the Indian community, and encouraged Indian women to join the workforce."

"Indian women started going to work on their own and it's because of him. Until today, they are able to stand on their own feet. It's a big feat, it's a big glory."

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

3.38pm: Former Senior Minister of State Sidek Saniff stands to deliver his eulogy

"In 1979, when I was accompanying then Minister of Finance to China, Mr Lee asked me if I could take the cold Chinese winter. Do you have an overcoat” he asked. I said that I would buy one. 'No, don't waste money', he replied. He paused and said: 'Ahmad Mattar has a good overcoat. Borrow from him.' "

“ 'What about boots to cover your shoes for walking' he continued. I said I didn't have any but I would buy a pair. “No, no don't waste money. Borrow from Chok Tong!' "

"Mr Lee believed in frugality, both in his personal life as well as nationally. And he walked the talk."

"Today we register our deepest respect & appreciation to this great man, was the embodiment of the term ‘statesman'."

"To his family, the Nation shares your sorrow. Please accept our heartfelt condolences."

"PM, SM, MM, farewell. Farewell, Friend. Farewell."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

3.31pm: Former Cabinet Minister S. Dhanabalan will now deliver his eulogy.

"He was sometimes seen as a hardhearted man who acted without feelings. But on occasions he discussed with me the decision to act against someone, I know he agonized over the decision. He was convinced a softhearted approach would undermine the ethos, he wanted to embed deeply in public service."

"The myth is that he brooked no opposition to what he wanted and that the Cabinet members merely fell in line. That was not my experience."

"Up to the very end he was committed to this nation."

"Farewell, Sir."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

3.24pm: Former Cabinet Minister Ong Pang Boon will now deliver his eulogy.

"He was a consummate, farsighted politician, maximizing every opportunity to advance his political advantage, PAP's interests."

"He was a dedicated Prime Minister with broad perspectives."

"What struck me most was his complete passion for S'pore, spent every moment thinking of how to improve S'pore.

"He was always wholeheartedly fighting for the best interest of this small and vulnerable nation."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

3.13pm: Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will now deliver his eulogy

"He was a leader, not a populist politician, the outpouring of grief, gratitude and love for him says it all."

"After Mrs Lee’s death, I glimpsed how lonely and sad he was."

"Sadly, we had to discontinue our lunches in 2013 because of his health. Sadly, his physical health declined. Sadly, Mr Lee is gone."

"Mr Lee has completed his life-journey, he transformed our lives and touched our hearts."

"He would want us to move on with the Singapore Story... 
"He would want Singapore to succeed long after he is gone. We must honour him."

"Let us stay united... to write an exciting sequel to his and our Singapore Story, thank you Mr Lee."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

2.57pm: President Tony Tan Keng Yam stands to deliver his eulogy.

"Mr Lee demanded, without compromise, complete integrity in personal and professional matters from himself, his family and his colleagues."

"Mr Lee had a vision of Singapore as a fair and just society, embedded a sense of integrity into our very identity."

"When S'pore gained independence, it was a fractured and divided society."

"This week, Singaporeans came together to mourn the loss of Mr Lee. This would have made Mr Lee very proud. This was what he had worked for his whole life, to build a united people."

"Every National Day, we looked forward to seeing Mr Lee. We will miss Mr Lee at this year’s National Day Parade. But he will be foremost in our minds. And in our heart."

"Now is the time to take up the torch to further the ideals upon which S'pore was built, and to make them our own."

"Goodbye Mr Lee. May your soul rest in peace."

Full speech here.

Follow live updates from Mr Lee Kuan Yew's State Funeral at  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline.

2.30pm: Meanwhile around Singapore, a crowds gather to watch a live stream of the State Funeral. 

Bishan:

Bedok:

CBD: 

City Hall:

Suntec City:

Raffles Quay:

Star Vista

2.14pm: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Lee Kuan Yew's eldest son, gets ready to deliver the first eulogy. Follow live updates from his eulogy on  https://twitter.com/TODAYonline

 "This has been a dark week for Singapore. Light that has guided us all these years has been extinguished."

"We have lost our founding father who lived and breathed Singapore all his life."

"From the ashes of Separation he built a nation."

Full speech here.

2.13pm: The casket carrying Mr Lee Kuan Yew's body is placed on bier for rest of service. 

2.05pm: The Master of Ceremony for the Funeral Service will be Mr Peter Ong, Head Civil Service.

Ten eulogies will be presented in the following order:

• Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
• President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam
• Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong
• Former Cabinet Minister Ong Pang Boon
• Former Cabinet Minister S. Dhanabalan
• Former Senior Minister of State Sidek Bin Saniff
• Trade unionist G. Muthukumarasamy
• Tanjong Pagar community leader Leong Chun Loong
• Former journalist Cassandra Chew
• The late Mr Lee’s second son Lee Hsien Yang

2pm: The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs Samuel Barber's Adagio on stage as the casket enters the UCC

1.55pm: In attendance for the State Funeral are about 2,200 guests, including foreign dignitaries and Singaporeans from all walks of life. Foreign dignitaries such as Former US president Bill Clinton, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe have already taken their seats.

1.55pm: Here are some of the guests that have arrived at the UCC.

Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott:

Former US president Bill Clinton:

Indonesia President Joko Widodo:

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk:

Japan Prime Minister Shinzō Abe:

South Korea President Park Geun Hye:

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger:

Photos: Don Wong/TODAY

1.53pm: The Coffin Bearer Party carries Mr Lee Kuan Yew's casket into the University Cultural Centre. The casket is carried in a slow march to the tune of Dead March From Saul, performed by the SAF Military Band. 

Photos: Prime Minister's Office, Don Wong/TODAY

1.50pm: The line of honour formed by military policemen snakes into NUS for the funeral service.

1.45pm: The cortege heads towards the final stretch of the funeral procession in Clementi.

Soldiers form a line of honour as it travels towards its destination, NUS University Cultural Centre. 

1.40pm: The cortege passes Singapore Polytechnic. 

Photos: Tristan Loh/TODAY

1.37pm: As the cortege heads down Commonwealth, the crowd, young and old is heard singing "We Are Singapore". 

1.25pm: The funeral cortege passes Queensway towards Tanglin Halt and onwards to Commonwealth. 

Photos: Low Weixin/TODAY

1.20pm: The cortege passes the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). After the PAP took power in 1959, the late Mr Lee made it a priority to eradicate corruption from Singapore. Laws were tightened, with the CPIB given wider powers to investigate, arrest and search. With these stronger powers, the late Mr Lee directed CPIB to take firm action against corrupt officials. 

1.15pm: The cortege makes its way to Singapore General Hospital. Along Jalan Bukit Merah, members of the public bid their final farewells to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The chanting of his name is non-stop.

Photos: Robin Choo, Jason Ho, Jordon Simpson/TODAY, Prime Minister's Office

1.10pm: Tanjong Pagar residents wait to bid final farewell to their MP Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The procession also passes by the iconic public housing project Pinnacle@Duxton in the district. 

Tanjong Pagar is a place of special significance to the late Mr Lee. He has represented Tanjong Pagar since 1955, both in the Legislative Assembly and as Member of Parliament. 

1.10pm:  Transport sector to observe a minute of silence for Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Many parts of the transport sector will stop work and operations at 4pm today to observe a minute of silence, including Changi Airport, the Port of Singapore and the public transport sector, as a mark of respect for founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

1.04pm: Funeral cortege makes its way along Shenton Way, as it heads towards NTUC Centre and Trade Union House. The late Mr Lee’s entry into politics began with the unions. In May 1952, he successfully represented the Postal and Telecommunications Uniformed Staff Union in its salary negotiations with the colonial government.

1pm: Two Fearless-class Patrol Vessels (RSS Dauntless and RSS Resilience) from the Republic of Singapore Navy conduct a ceremonial sailpast in the waters off the Marina Barrage, set against the backdrop of the city skyline, in recognition of the late Mr Lee’s contributions to Singapore’s nation-building.

With the Singapore flag flown at half-mast, the two ships will rendezvous off the waters of Sentosa and sail up, in formation, towards the Marina Bay area. A black flag (traditionally used for mourning) will be flown on the starboard side of the mast together with signals flag representing the letters “L”, “K” and “Y”.

12.54pm: As the cortege passes City Hall, the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Black Knights fly a Missing Man Formation, where one aircraft will leave the four-aircraft flying formation as an aerial salute to honour the late Mr Lee.

The Missing Man Formation is a tradition that dates back to World War I, and is used as a solemn aerial salute to honour deceased dignitaries or military aircrew. Fpur Black Knights F-16C aircraft, in national colours, fly the Missing Man Formation to honour the late Mr Lee. As the formation approaches City Hall, one aircraft peels away from the formation and head off to the west, signifying the deceased’s final flight in the direction of the setting sun.

12.51pm: Special permission has been given for a 21-gun salute by four ceremonial 25-pounder howitzers as the procession journeys around the Padang. This honour is usually reserved only for sitting Heads of State.

The tradition of rendering a salute by cannon originated in the 14th century as firearms and cannons came into use. The tradition of the 21-Gun Salute was inherited from the British. Singapore adopted the firing of the 21-Gun Salute for our ceremonial parades. Outside of the National Day Parade, the 21-Gun Salute was last accorded in honour of then-President Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares during his state funeral in 1981.

The first round has just been fired.

Photos: Prime Minister's Office, Wee Teck Hian/TODAY

12.46pm: The crowd waves and calls out Mr Lee Kuan Yew's name as the cortege passes

Photos: Wee Teck Hian/TODAY, Prime Minister's Office

12.44pm: Officers march in the rain escorting Mr Lee Kuan Yew's casket as the procession moves out of Parliament House.

Photos: Prime Minister's Office, Raj Nadarajan/TODAY

12.40pm: At the Padang, Singaporeans wait to bid their final farewells to Mr #LeeKuanYew

12.38pm: The casket is carried on a ceremonial Artillery Gun Carriage connected to a limber, and towed by a ceremonial Land Rover. The Gun Carriage consists of a 25-pounder howitzer on which will be mounted a tempered glass case in which the casket rests.

12.34pm: The Coffin Bearer Party, commanded by Brigadier-General Ong Tze-Ch’in, Commander, 3rd Division, comprises eight senior officers from the SAF and SPF. 

12.30pm: 8 of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's parliamentary colleagues wait to send him off from Parliament House.

12.27pm: Visitor figures: 

•  Lying-in-State is 454,687 (with an average throughput of 6,500 visitors per hour)
•  There are currently 131,450 condolence cards at Parliament House
• Separately, the total number of visitors to the 18 People’s Association community sites as at 11am is 1.1 million

12.20pm: 48 personnel from the SAF and SPF in ceremonial unimogs (military trucks) will form the escorts for the Gun Carriage.

12.15pm: Mr Lee Kuan Yew's funeral procession will commence at 12.30pm and cover a distance of 15.4km, passing significant landmarks, such as Old Parliament House, City Hall and the Padang, as well as heartland areas, en route to UCC.

12.05pm: Mr Lee Kuan Yew's funeral procession is beginning soon.  

11.54am: Minutes before Mr ‪‎Lee Kuan Yew‬'s funeral procession, the gun carriage is dried as the rain subsides. 

11.48am: Faces in the crowd: A group of SGH nurses took time off from their shifts to witness the late Mr Lee's funeral procession and pay their final respects. Ms Lai Soh Mui, 60, said she visited the Sengkang community tribute site. Feeling bad about not being able to endure the long queues out the Parliament House because of her knee replacement surgery a few years ago, Ms Lai said this is the last thing she could do for him."Mr Lee is a great man... We hope he can rest in peace," said Ms Lai, who has been a nurse at SGH for 29 years.

Fellow SGH nurse Ms Tan Yen Lee had already queued for four hours at the Padang on Wednesday to see Mr Lee but still wanted the opportunity to see him for the last time. "Today is the funeral but we are working. We had the opportunity to see (the funeral procession ) so we decided to come down," said the 30-year-old nurse. 

11.26am: It has started pouring over all over Singapore. Here's a snapshot of what's happening at other points along the route that Mr Lee Kuan Yew's funeral procession will pass.

Commonwealth Ave West: In front of Dover MRT outside Singapore Polytechnic, crowds are armed with balloons.

Kampong Bahru:

Shenton Road:

Bukit Merah: Flower bouquets line the road separator

One Marina Boulevard: 

11.06am: The rain is getting heavier at the Padang but crowds are undeterred. 

Photo: Wong Pei Ting, Ng Jing Yng/TODAY

11.01am: There's an hour to go until the funeral procession begins, so members of the public break into song, belting out 'Home' while they wait. 

10.45am: Flags line the street closer to Parliament House, while people clamour to get the best viewing spot by St Andrew's Cathedral.

10.40am: Spotted: Among the people lining the streets is MediaCorp actor Chen Hanwei. 

"I came today to give Mr Lee the last show of respect. I hope everyone can continue to let the spirit of Mr Lee live on, and continue demonstrating his love for Singapore."

10.30am: Faces in the crowd: Mr Jeganathan Jeyabalan, a construction worker from Chennai who has been in Singapore for 15 years, came to the Padang with a copy of the Tamil Murasu. Using his poncho to shield it from the rain, he says, "No country can compare to Singapore." 

10.15am: The slight drizzle at the Padang hasn't dampened the mood of the hundreds who have already begun lining the streets at City Hall ahead of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's funeral procession.

10am: Faces in the crowd: A family of 16 is handing out 10,000 Singapore flags for free at City Hall ahead of Mr Lee Kuan Yew's funeral procession. "We hope that everyone with this flag can raise it up when Mr Lee's casket drives by later," says Ms Lee Seah Peng.

Ms Lee said her 82-year-old father-in-law who was seated in a walker also wanted to tag along to distribute the flags to do his "little part" for Singapore.  As of 10am, Ms Lee said they have distributed at least half of the flags. 

9.10am: Bring your brollies: Thundery showers are expected over many areas in the late morning and early afternoon, according to the NEA.

8.50am: Roman Catholic churches throughout Singapore will toll as a mark of respect for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew at 12.30pm when the hearse leaves Parliament House, and again at 2pm, when the funeral service begins at the NUS University Cultural Centre. 

8.45am: The State Funeral Procession will cover a distance of 15.4km and pass significant landmarks, such as Old Parliament House, City Hall, the Padang, NTUC Centre and Singapore Conference Hall; as well as heartland areas. Here's look at  why they're significant. 

8.40am: Minute of silence: All MRT trains will pull to a stop at stations and open their doors before the minute of silence for Mr ‪Lee Kuan Yew‬ today. Buses will also be held back from departing the bus interchange or terminal during the one minute of silence. More details here for the minute of silence across Singapore. 

8.30am: The State Funeral Procession will commence at 12.30pm and be telecast “live” on national television.

With a singular focus on giving founding Prime Minister ‪Lee Kuan Yew‬ a solemn and dignified send-off, the 18 members of his Coffin Bearer Party have been practising since Monday for the final two ceremonies they will perform today.

Good morning. Here's our live coverage from  Day 6 in case you missed it. The State Funeral Procession and Funeral Service today will be streamed live  here.