SINGAPORE, Aug 24 — For the nation to endure and prevail, Singaporeans must stand as one united people and past events have shown that the sense of togetherness and purpose is stronger than before, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last night.

He cited recent examples when the “Singapore spirit” shone, on occasions to mark the nation’s success or to help one another. 

Singaporeans celebrated together after Shanti Pereira won the country’s first 200m sprint gold medal in 42 years at the SEA Games in June. And in the aftermath of the explosion in Bangkok last week, Singaporeans living in the city contacted the Singapore Embassy to offer help, he noted.

However, he added, the Singapore spirit shone the brightest on the week of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s passing in March, when thousands queued to pay their respects. Companies and volunteers also provided relief to those waiting in line, he noted.

Even when it started to rain as the gun carriage carried the late Lee from Parliament House to the University Cultural Centre, everyone stayed put, much like the 1968 National Day Parade, when there was a downpour.

“I was deeply moved to see the crowds stand their ground, paying their last respects to Lee. Teardrops and raindrops fell together. For all of us, this was a historic moment, shared as one Singapore family. We were mourning for Lee’s passing, but also affirming what he stood for and celebrating what he had achieved,” said the Prime Minister.

“That day, something changed in us. Our shared moment of sorrow bonded us. Now, we don’t have to struggle to find words to define the Singapore spirit or to say what being Singaporean is.

“Now, we know that we are Singaporean,” he added. — TODAY