In Pictures: Singapore Gives Lee Kuan Yew A Heroric Sendoff

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister, has been finally laid to rest. Despite the torrential downpour, tens of thousands poured out on the streets to pay their last respects as his body passes through the streets. Here are a collection of powerful photos taken over a period of 7 days during the official mourning period. An estimated 1.2 million (or 1 in 5) Singaporeans have paid their respects at Parliament House and several community tribute sites across the wealthy city state.

Flags flew at half-mast for seven days as a mark of respect

After a 2 day private wake held at the Istana (Presidential Palace), Lee Kuan Yew's body was moved to Parliament.

A bagpiper from the Gurkha contingent plays Auld Lang Syne.

Emotional crowds cheered and sobbed as Lee's body moved through the city centre to Parliament House.

At Parliament House, vigil guards representing the Army, Navy and Air Force stand on duty as mourners file past Lee's coffin.

Hundreds of thousands queued day and night to pay their last respects to a leader they greatly admired. Officials were ovewhelmed with the unexpected outpour as queues streched for kilometres.

In true Singaporean style, an efficient system was put in place to handle the crowds. The Padang was used as a holding area and tents were erected to shield people from the blazing sun.

Even with the imminent threat of rain, people still continued to queue.

It was an impressive display of national solidarity. People were willing to wait up to 10 hours and few complained.

Bhutan's king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, paid his respects.

And so did former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, amongst other world leaders, kings, prominent business men, and celebrities.

A bouquet of flowers was left on Lee's former seat in Parliament House.

The atmosphere was so emotional that vigil guards wept.

Regardless of race, language or religion, a multicultural country mourns the passing of their leader.

An massive logistical operation took place as volunteers and businesses chipped in to make the wait a little more bearable by providing food, water and umbrellas.

On the final day of mourning, the heavens opened up and cried with a nation.

Lee's body is finally transported out of Parliament House to make its way to his funeral.

The rain was relentless.

But the band played on, and the crowd stood with umbrellas in hand.

An estimated 100,000 people lined the streets to say goodbye.

The cortege passes by the Old Supreme Court and CIty Hall as a 21-gun salut took place.

The RSAF's Black Nights perfomed a 'missing man' formation.

There was an outpour of grief.

Across the country people gathered at large screens to watch the State Funeral procession.

The rain persisted but people stayed put, determined to say goodbye.

The cortege passing near the junction of Jalan Bukit Merah and Silat Road.

The procession route went through several public housing estates including Duxton, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, Commonwealth and Clementi. The Housing Development Board is one of Lee's greatest successes.

The scene at Commonwealth Avenue West.

The State Funeral was held at the University Cultural Centre in the National University of Singapore. 170 foreign dignitaries attended the event including Narenda Modi, Tony Abbot, Bill Clinton and William Hague.

At 4.35pm all trains, buses stopped and no planes took or landed as the country stood still to observe a minute of silence.

The cortege on its final journey to the Mandai Crematorium. Rest in peace Mr Lee, you will be greatly missed.