Series of events held to mark Lee Kuan Yew's first death anniversary

SINGAPORE - People from all walks of life woke up as early as 7am on Wednesday morning to commemorate the first anniversary of Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew's death.

A series of events were held throughout the day to remember the former prime minister who died at the age of 91.

Early this morning, volunteers from the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry set out to take part in a brisk walk at Dhoby Ghaut Green.

Mr Lee's penchant for walks is believed to have inspired the event, as well as the 600 participants who took part in the 2.8km walk.

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Ms Jean Ho, 50, owner of an education centre told The Straits Times: "The walk is a meaningful way for us to remember our dear Mr Lee's legacy. He embodies the fighting spirit of our forefathers, and he taught us the importance of having a harmonious society. Living together in peace with people of other races is something we cannot take for granted, and is one of the things I am grateful to the late Mr Lee for."

At Mr Lee's alma mater Telok Kurau Primary, students held a special assembly this morning in his honour by giving appreciation speeches to the late Mr Lee, who attended the school from 1930-1935.

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In the west, more than 350 residents gathered this morning at Jurong Lake Park to plant 53 Mempat trees in appreciation for Mr Lee's contributions to Singapore.

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Cedric Cheng, 12, a student from Shuqun Primary School who was present at the event told The Straits Times: "Mr Lee Kuan Yew had the vision of Singapore being a clean and green city. I am proud to be able to continue his legacy through this tree planting activity."

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu were also present in Jurong for the tree-planting event.

Ms Fu later posted a personal tribute to Mr Lee on her Facebook page.

At around 10am, a remembrance ceremony was held at the Istana. About 30 pupils and teachers from Pat's Schoolhouse Prinsep visited the site and placed sunflowers in tribute to Mr Lee.

Ms May Wu, a teacher from the school, told The Straits Times that remembering Mr Lee on his first death anniversary is a good opportunity to impart moral education to the children.

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Later at 12pm, some residents gathered at Geylang Serai Community Club for a screening of Mr Lee's life, while in the Chamber of the old Parliament House, parliamentarians both past and present came together to pay tribute to Mr Lee.

Mr Ong Pang Boon and Mr Jek Yuen Thong, members of the first Parliament were in attendance for the remembrance ceremony.

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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the elder son of Mr Lee, also launched today a permanent exhibition titled The Parliament In Singapore History. The exhibition chronologically traces the history and milestones of The Arts House, formerly the old Parliament House, and Singapore Parliament.

The National Museum also unveiled a three-and-a-half minute short film titled A Moment of Unity by director Royston Tan.

Tan said on the National Heritage Board's Facebook page: "The inspiration behind this video installation, and actually behind the success of Singapore, is our people. I feel that, when Mr Lee passed, and people came together to pay him tribute, and stood together as one, it really reflected the Singapore spirit."

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At 4pm, Singapore ministers observed a moment of silence to remember Mr Lee before commencing the Cabinet meeting.