Today Christchurch held a memorial service to help New Zealanders grieve towards last months earthquake. It was held in Hagley Park at noon, to mark the time of the disaster. The 6.3 magnitude quake had claimed 180 lives, and there are still many missing and unidentified. A number of dignitaries from around the world attended today's service including Prime Minister John Key, Prince William and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
The memorial lasted for two hours and we heard numerous key speakers including Christchurch's Anglican bishop, Victoria Matthews who had lead the service and said that today was the day to remember those who died, but also a chance to mourn the "death of a city".
Among the group of speakers, Phill Goff made a very rememberable statement to the nation:
"Seeing the terrible damage done to this city. Buildings devastated and heritage lost. People killed, injured and trapped in collapsed buildings. The eerie silence of the central city whose time stopped at 12:51".
"Today we grieve for those who have lost their loved ones – young and old, taken before their time. We grieve for the bereaved families here in New Zealand and for the families of international students who were guests in our country and who will never go home.
Today we also think of the people of Japan who endured the double tragedy of an earthquake and tsunami. The tragic losses they have suffered on a massive scale and the added worry of leakage of nuclear radiation.
For those in Christchurch, our hearts ache for families unable yet to say a final goodbye because their loved ones have not been identified.
This is a time to grieve but it is also a time to be grateful.
Grateful for courageous search and rescue workers who risked their lives to save others and for volunteers, community groups and service workers who worked tirelessly to help others.
Grateful for the renaissance of a strong Kiwi community spirit and commitment to help others.
Grateful for the love and support neighbors, family and friends have given each other and for how New Zealanders and countries and friends around the world have rallied to help and have been so generous".
Today was a time for hope. Hope and confidence that this city and community will rise again.
All throughout the memorial service we listened to numerous artists sing and give praise to those who have fallen.
As I look back upon this day, I noticed several things. Not only are New Zealanders head strong about rebuilding their beautiful city and homes. They talked a great deal about the future of the city and the plans they have for recovery. It gave people hope again, that one day they will overcome this tragedy. But they also spent soo much time in the ceremony thinking of Japan. They prayed for the country of Japan, and set aside their own grievances for several moments and thought of the other millions of helpless people. Many speakers noted that when the citizens of Christchurch watch the devastating news of Japan, it is hard to not think of their own losses, but yet they have so much to be grateful for.
At the end of the memorial service they played a movie of the devastation that had been swept across the city. It was terribly moving, as you watched the scenes of the wounded, helpless, courageous, and strong it brought tears to your eyes. You couldn't help but feel the raw emotion that overcame the thousands of people in the park.
It was a day for closure, remembrance, grief, love, and hope. The service was wonderfully inspiring, it gave thousands the hope and inspiration they needed to keep going and hold their head high.
I have come to love the country of New Zealand and its amazing citizens. Not only have they been very concerned about its own people, but they have shown such admiration towards its international community. They have saught-after the international students and made sure that we are still able to live our dream. We have a story to tell and they want us to tell it for them. I cannot stress enough the people that have confronted me about my feelings and experiences. The Kiwi community cares about everyone that their nation has drawn in. The Prime Minister also stated that the people of Christchurch feel sorrow for us students because this quake had come in the middle of our dreams and our goals; but had also taken dreams from the innocent.
KIA KAHA (English translation of the Maori language means BE STRONG)
Today was a day that will forever be in my memory. It gave thousands of people hope again. It restored their faith. I have never seen such a moving experience and words cannot explain the raw emotion that swept across the park this day. Not a day goes by that I'am not moved by this wonderful country and its amazing Kiwi citizens. So I leave you with this:
RISE UP CHRISTCHURCH, WE HAVE HOPE AGAIN
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