Tenth Anniversary of Canterbury Earthquake - Queen Elizabeth sends personal message and politicians attend Memorial Service
On 22nd February 2011, a devastating earthquake struck Canterbury, New Zealand, claiming the lives of 185 innocent people. Ten years later in 2021, thousands of Christchurch people gathered at the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial Park to attend a National Memorial Service. Attendees included New Zealand Governor Dame Patsy Reddy, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Christchurch Mayor Hon. Lianne Dalziel, former Christchurch Mayor Sir Bob Parker, government officials and consular representatives, the New Zealand military, police, fire department, and St. John's Ambulance Service, families of the victims, school representatives and many other local people.
Before the ceremony, the sky was clear and many people gathered at the event venue and took their seats, waiting for the ceremony to begin. As the ceremony progressed to the moment when the names of the 185 victims were read out, the sky turned to dark clouds and a wailing of geese could be heard. At 12:51 pm, the time when the earthquake occurred, a minute of silence was observed. Two representatives of the Earthquake Families Foundation then recited the poem We Remember Them. The families of the victims and some others wiped their tears in sorrow.
New Zealand Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy conveyed a message from Queen Elizabeth II, expressing her sorrow for the lives lost in the earthquake and she hope that the public will stand strong and regain their morale and motivation to live. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave a speech to encourage the children who have experienced the quake to be brave and to create a better future for Christchurch. The Mayor of Christchurch, Hon. Lianne Dalziel, expressed her gratitude to the first responders that day, namely the police, firefighters, nurses, NGOs and student volunteers who helped out in the aftermath of the earthquake, every little bit which counted. Former Christchurch Mayor Sir Bob Parker also attended the event. He shared his thoughts on the shallow 6.3 magnitude earthquake that occurred 10 years ago, which he still vividly remembers as an event which has rewritten the history of Christchurch. He expressed his deep sorrow to the families of the victims who lost their loved one in that tragic event.
At the end of the event, Governor Dame Patsy Reddy, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, government officials, uniformed personnel and the public went to the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial to lay flowers for the earthquake victims. In accordance with New Zealand custom, some people scattered flowers into the Avon River next to the memorial wall to wish the deceased a peaceful rest. The solemn memorial ceremony was completed by the blessings of the people, who encouraged and cheered each other up. Here’s to everyone - to look towards each new day with a strong and joyful heart.