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SINGAPORE: Some 1,500 people on Thursday attended the joint memorial service held at Mandai Crematorium for the five dragon boat rowers who died in Cambodia last week.
The dragon boat carrying Chee Wei Cheng, Jeremy Goh, Stephen Loh, Reuben Kee and Poh Boon San capsized in Phnom Penh's Tonle Sap River during the annual Cambodia Water Festival last Friday.
The first hearse carrying the late 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 was 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 (about 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 we came here to pay our last respects," said another.
A minute of silence was observed before the Singapore Dragon Boat Association's president, Rear-Admiral (Retired) Kwek Siew Jin, 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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