Post date: Feb 22, 2012 11:16:13 AM
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND (FEBRUARY 22, 2012)(TELEVISION NEW ZEALAND (TVNZ) - One year after the devastating February 22 earthquake, the city of Christchurch in New Zealand marked the event with a memorial for the 185 people killed.
The New Zealand city of Christchurch marks the first anniversary of a devastating earthquake that killed 185 people and destroyed the central business district.
At a ceremony in a park that became a makeshift triage centre a year ago, a conch shell sounded to start the proceedings, along with a traditional Maori greeting.
More than 6500 people were injured when the 6.3 magnitude quake struck the city, and many of the survivors were seated at the front of the memorial service.
The Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker spoke of the devastation of the quake.
"No city has ever been through anything like this before. There is no blueprint. We are in unexplored territory," he said.
The Prime Minster of New Zealand read from the Bible and members of the emergency services read out the names of all 185 victims.
In a pre-recorded video message, the U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, said the people of Christchurch were an inspiration to all.
"Even those of us who were far away on that terrible day share in your grief, and we know it's been a struggle, but through that struggle we've seen the strength and the perseverance of the people of Christchurch. So, Christchurch, yes, we grieve with you and we think about you all the time," she said.
At 12:51 pm local time (2351 GMT), the exact time the quake struck a year ago, the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, the Most Reverend Barry Jones, led the gathering in two minutes of silence which was observed all over New Zealand.
A culmination to the event came with the release of 185 monarch butterflies to the tune of 'You Raise Me Up.'
Victims of the earthquake were from Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, Romania, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, USA and the UK.