Some 1,500 people attended the joint memorial service for Singapore's best five dragon boat rowers who died in Phnom Penh's Tonle Sap River
- From: Chim <ChimS1@xxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:27:15 -0800 (PST)
Over 1,000 attend memorial service for dragon boaters
By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 November 2007
SINGAPORE: Some 1,500 people Thursday attended the joint memorial
service held at Mandai Crematorium for the five dragon boat rowers who
died in Phnom Penh's Tonle Sap River.
The dragon boat carrying Chee Wei Cheng, Jeremy Goh, Stephen Loh,
Reuben Kee and Poh Boon San capsized during the Cambodia Water
Festival last week.
The first hearse carrying Poh Boon San's casket arrived around noon,
followed by those of the other rowers.
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan laid wreaths on all the coffins.
In his eulogy, he said the five men were among Singapore's best, who
wore the country's flag proudly, and Singapore is grateful to the
families for letting them represent the country.
"I can promise the families here that we will not forget your sons or
their legacy. And from now on, every dragon boat that sails with the
Singapore flag will sail in honour of each of these fine young men."
Tears flowed freely among those present as family and friends spoke
about their loved ones.
"He will continue to live in our hearts and those of you who know
Reuben, I know he will continue to live in your hearts also," said
Reuben's father Freddie Kee.
Choking back his tears, Jeremy's brother Norman Goh said, "All five of
you will have to take care of each other from now on, just like what
you did in life as a team. The nation is proud of you and you all will
be our champions."
Singapore dragon boat team captain Yeo Chin Hwei also paid his
tribute. "Let us always remember the sunny smiles they wore, their
cheerful voices in our ears. They were determined, passionate and
unique individuals who were filial sons, caring brothers, dedicated
team mates, loyal friends and devoted paddlers. Stephen, Boon San,
Jeremy, Reuben, Wei Cheng, you will always live in our hearts.
Brothers forever."
The ceremony lasted for about two hours with relatives, family
members, close friends, and members of the public attending.
Many remembered the five dragon boat rowers as avid sportsmen with a
passion for dragon boating. But as Jeremy's brother said, it is
unfortunate that this passion also cost them their lives.
Those present said they came to say farewell in their own way.
"I used to row dragon boat, and these (were) friends that I made along
the way. So it is very tragic to hear that this... The best I can do is
to send them on their last journey," one said.
"Stephen and Boon San (were) very close to us also. So ya, we come
here to pay our last respects," said another.
A minute of silence was observed before Dr Balakrishnan handed the
national flag, which was used to drape the coffin, to each of the
families.
The families then moved into the service halls to have their own
private ceremonies.
An independent panel of inquiry will be set up next week to
investigate the tragedy.
The Singapore Sports Council, which will lead the multi-agency team,
said the panel will take a few months to deliberate and come out with
its findings. - CNA/ac
.
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