Singaporeans pay tearful tributes to Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the Istana
Some came with flowers, others with handwritten letters. But all came with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew on Monday (March 23).
During lunchtime, people patiently waited to pen their tributes on the condolence boards set up in front of the main gates of the Istana. The queue stretched to Plaza Singapura.
For some, it was too much to hold back the tears.
Mr Mauricio Soliano told The New Paper:"My father always told me, 'This man will build up Singapore and you will have a better place to live.'
Mr Soliano paused to compose himself before adding: "He's done his work, he needs his rest, now we have to let him go,"
Another of those in line was 15-year-old Muhammad Rusyaidi Mustapa. He was with his mother, Madam Rohaya Said.
He said: "We came down to show our appreciation to our former prime minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
"Even though I'm too young to know him, I know that he is an icon because he made Singapore what it is today."
Said Madam Rohaya, 50: "We feel very sad but (the news) was expected because of his condition over the last few weeks."
Others talked about how Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation even though he was grieving.
Said Madam Stephanie See Toh, 52, who was there with her husband and daughter: "You could tell that he was holding back his emotions but yet he composed himself to speak to the nation."
Those who wish to pen their tributes can do so on condolence boards outside the Istana and Parliament House.
The boards will be up until Sunday, March 29, the day of the funeral.
People can also pay their last respects at 18 community centres across Singapore.
Related reports: Here's where you can pay last respects to Mr Lee Kuan Yew
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