By 3 News online staff
Mayor Bob Parker this morning greeted what he called the distinguished leaders and guests gathered at Latimer Square.
The service was for families who lost loved ones a year ago today, and those who began working immediately in search, rescue and recovery.
“This is a heavy day; heavy with emotion, heavy with loss, heavy with memories, heavy with sights that we were never prepared to see,” said Mr Parker. “Nothing in our lives could have shown us what was to happen on this day a year ago.”
He reflected on how people were feeling a year ago following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake which struck before dawn on September 4, 2010.
“We had been through one earthquake. It was difficult but we believed we were on a road to recovery.
“And then on this a day one year ago, everything changed, everything changed. It will never be the same again.”
Mr Parker said the service was designed to represent the “incredible bond” that was built between “the families of those souls that we lost on that day” and the first responders.
“Those men and women, who on those first days in particular became such an important part of our world, they came from many places those we lost in the city on that day, people from 18 different nations.
“But within minutes, within hours, those nations responded. People came to this place, this open place; this square was transformed into a united nation of international effort of compassion and of courage.
He highlighted the groups who came to Christchurch’s aid last February; 1400 of New Zealand’s defence force deployed, 116 of Singapore’s defence force, Land Search and Rescue, police, Salvation Army, Red Cross and many community groups.
“This is the bond that you have and we honour this morning. None of us can know what it is like for you and the scale of the losses you have endured.
“I hope the pain can be put into context as we all move forward together.”
3 News