Christchurch’s rectangle Latimer Square once again heard the silent weep of grief and loss.
Two years ago, the Latimer Square was the safe gathering point for thousands of people who ran out of the CBD. It was also the base for the emergency services.
It was the venue on February 22, 2013 for people to gather and pay homage to those who lost everything they had – families, properties and hope.
It was also the place where the families of 115 people who died in the CTV Building just across the road gathered to remember their lost ones.
The Square that was a refuge in the centre of the carnage once again revoked the painful memories of the darkest day in the history of New Zealand that dramatically changed the lives of 300,000 Cantabrians forever.
When the New Zealand Army Band played ‘Ave Maria,’ even the cool wind that squeezed through the green leaves of the big trees surrounding the Square could not contain the tears 3000 people, who filled the south of the Latimer Square.
The service began with the welcome of Henare Rakiihia Ta, followed by the message of the Dean of the Christchurch Cathedral who officiated the service.
“We gather in the belief that death does not have the final word. That life, light and hope will triumph over emptiness, darkness and despair.”
When a minute’s silence was observed at 12.51pm, even the rustling of the wind and trees could not be heard.
Prime Minister John Key, Mayor Bob Parker, Leader of Opposition David Shearer, Ministers, MPs and Diplomats from many nations attended the service.
Mr Key said, “I urge you to persevere and stay strong. We are just about through the worst of it. Better times are ahead and we will all be proud of a city that we will rebuild.”
The Army band played ‘I’ll walk with God,’ ‘Band of Brothers and Hymn to the Fallen.”
The Service ended at 2 pm with the floral tributes and wreaths at the memorial, but people were reluctant to leave the Square.
Those were tense and grieving moments.
Dr George Abraham is our South Island Correspondent based in Christchurch
