“In treasured memories of the past and during the days to come, we remember them.”
The above was among the prayers recited at the special service held in Christchurch on February 22, 2012, marking the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake, which was followed by several more tremors and aftershocks.
The huge North Hagley Park was filled to capacity with mourners, including the families of quake victims, Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, Prime Minister John Key, Opposition Leader David Shearer, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, ministers, members of Parliament and community leaders.
The New Zealand Army band played a number of memorial themes, as the 185 names of the deceased were read out. There was solemnity and solidarity, with an air of reality that life should go on, despite tragedies.
Christchurch Bishop Barry Jones called for two minutes silence, during which not even the rustling of tree leaves circling the park could be heard. The crowd bowed at the surety of the unavoidable death, thinking about the darkest moments that changed their lives a year ago so dramatically.
Shock after shock
The New Zealand flag flew at half-mast near the stage and a flame burned high in a cauldron below. A huge screen was set up to enable the crowd to watch the ceremonies. Media cameras set up on platforms and those roaming on remote control were picking up the memorable moments around the park and on stage.
Diplomats and people of varied nationalities made the gathering seem like a mini world, reinforcing human compassion. People placed flowers in many places across the city where their dear ones departed. Some flowers were thrown into the city’s iconic Avon River.
The lucky ones who did not lose a family member or friend were looking at their one of the most beautiful cities in the world, tragically destroyed by the quakes.
It is a reality that everyone in Canterbury and Christchurch got a personal story to be told – a story of grief, pain and sorrow – since the first earthquake that shook the city on September 4, 2010.
More than 3000 quakes above the Richter scale 3, many major ones above 5.5 and 10,000 aftershocks have occurred since then.
The emotional toll on this city and its beautiful people is huge, testing the resilience, courage and optimism of a community to its fullest magnitude.
Kiwi generosity
Henare Rakiihia Tau welcomed the crowd, paying tribute to the generosity from rest of New Zealand and around the world, followed by the national anthem. Mr Parker acknowledged the families who lost loved ones, the injured and the rescuers who fought risking their own lives.
Sam Johnson, who was recently named ‘Young New Zealander of the Year,’ represented the Student Volunteer Army at the ceremony.
He read Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verses 1-8: “A time to be born, and a time to die, time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to keep silence and a time to speak.”
The crowd stood when Ariyana Tikao sang, “How Great Thou Art! O Lord, my God, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed, Then sings my Soul.”
Young people representing the Hindu, Muslim, Bahai, Buddhist, Jewish and Christian faiths recited prayers just before the names of the 185 lost were read.
Later, as the Christchurch Pops Choir sang ‘You Rise Me Up,’ six children standing in front of the stage freed 185 colourful Monarch butterflies.
Tearful scene
It was a tearful scene, with some of them flying around the crowd, some soaring to the heights quickly, a few reaching the flowers placed around the stage, while some were even reluctant to leave the boxes.
Sir Jerry read a message from Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Prince offered his continuing condolences and praised the spirit and courage of New Zealanders to get through adversities with a sense of humour.
Sir Jerry said in his speech, “New Zealand would stand by Christchurch as it began to rebuild a new, vibrant city built on the foundations of a strong and resilient community. We have seen this community endure so much… it has not been found wanting. I have no doubt that the goal will be achieved because the people of Christchurch and Canterbury are marked by the values that make all New Zealanders strong.”
Mr Key said that all New Zealanders were united in expressing their grief and loss suffered in Christchurch.
“We are determined to rebuild the most beautiful and vibrant city again,” he said.
A message of condolence and support from the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was broadcast on the large screen and the Linwood College Orchestra presented a haunting interpretation of ‘Nimrod’ by Elgar.
Christchurch schoolchildren Natalie and Jono sang, ‘We Will Rebuild,’ written and composed by Natalie.
Victoria Mathews, the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch, gave the final blessing.
“We have heard so much and our hearts are so full.”
Many narrated on stage their dreadful experience in brief around the earthquakes.
Awards presented
Following the Service, 135 ‘Earthquake Bravery Awards’ were distributed to individuals and organisations, in recognition of their contributions to the community during the disaster.
Rescuers, Fire fighters, St John Ambulance, Hospital Staff, The Army, Police, Civil Defence, The Student Army, Community groups, Community Patrols and various residents associations were honoured for their services.
Earlier, Sir Jerry, Mr Key, Mr Shearer, Mr Goff, ministers, lawmakers, diplomats and other dignitaries attended the Dawn Service at the Latimer Square.
Dr George Abraham is our Correspondent based in Christchurch.
