Singapore Government Press Release

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No words can return to us those on the ill-fated SilkAir Flight MI 185. No words can erase the grief and pain of those whom they left behind. When we first learned of the crash of the SilkAir aircraft, we were stunned into disbelief. As rescuers, villagers and divers plumbed the depths of the Musi River in a frantic search for survivors, and as hope gradually gave way to despair, our hearts went out to the families and friends of those who died. We grieved when they could not even find solace from the recovery of the bodies of their departed ones as none were found. Their pain, their loss, their sorrow, their bewilderment – we feel them too.

Singapore is a small place and a close-knit community. When a tragedy happens with a loss of lives, it saddens the whole nation. Most of us would have known personally someone on that aircraft or know someone who did. I have friends who were shaken because they had a relative, a friend or a staff member on board the fateful flight. And I have seen people, ordinary Singaporeans, in the long lines at the condolence booths and those gathered here today, who have broken down and grieved at the tragic deaths of people they had never met. We all feel this grave loss.

We have read about many of the passengers who died - the respected teachers, the young students, the former model, the happy stewardess who had just completed her training, the Black Knights pilot and his young New Zealander colleague, the businessmen, the senior woman executive, the engineers, the husband, the grandfather. There were others we did not read about, especially the non-Singaporeans.

Each individual was precious. Each had his own purpose in life and a web of relationships. Each was a bright and beautiful life filled with hopes, dreams and family warmth. None died without leaving behind someone who loved them. They are mourned by people who will dearly miss them, their grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings, sons, daughters, grandchildren, relatives and friends. They are mourned by the rest of us who sat with them in the coffee-shops, who met them in the neighbourhoods, who worked with them in the offices, who benefited from their warmth and generosity. They are mourned by a nation.

We can accept death but not its suddenness. We can accept death but not when it is inexplicable. We can accept death but not when we cannot render to our loved ones their last rites and bid them proper farewell. This trauma deepens the grief and pain of the bereaved families.

We gather here today to remember those who have passed away and to offer the bereaved families our sympathies, condolences and support. We hope that in a small way, this Condolence Service will bring some comfort to all who have suffered losses in this tragedy, not just Singaporeans but also the many non-Singaporeans from other parts of the world. We hope that our support will give them strength.

We have to be strong. Life must go on from here, however difficult it may be. The families must over time step out from the sudden darkness in their lives, SilkAir must fly again with confidence, and the country must emerge with fortitude from this shared grief.

Let us give meaning to the lives of those who had gone. Our grief for them has brought us closer as a community and a nation. They have, in our remembrance of them, given us the collective strength to face life’s challenges. Let us live tomorrow bravely.

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