An elderly spectator sits in reflection as the memorial service continues.
^TRF
"
We have learned a lot about our capacity to do good.
Thank you for caring. That makes you part of the story of the rebuilding of Christchurch.
"— Prime Minister John Key spoke after Prince William and Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand at Hagley Park.
"
This loss, we lament and we mourn. We have lost so much.
We come with a common purpose … whatever your faith may be … prayers would be a vehicle for each of you as we mourn.
This is not a closure. All of us are grieving in our own way.
"— The Rev. Dean Peter Beck speaks to a hushed crowd of thousands at Hagley Park
"
“There’s the Mayor. Why didn’t you clap for him?
“There’s only one person that’s got more jewellery on than you, and that’s the Mayor.”
"— USAR and emergency service workers received a huge standing ovation as they entered for the memorial service. Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker was spotted nearby - two spectators shared their observations.
"I don’t remember the shaking, or how I hurt myself. It’s “lucky” that my brain has blanked it out - “nothing but unicorns and muffins for you for 10 minutes,” it said. I have flashes of me screaming, shaking and crying, huddled beneath my desk."
— Amanda Fitzwater is blogging at nzherald.co.nz on her own experience of the earthquake, how she has felt since that day, and what she feels today.
By 11am, the fog has lifted and the sun has emerged, greeting thousands who have already arrived at Hagley Park.
A security staff member expects as many as 150,000 people might attend.
Meanwhile, officials are making final adjustments to seating and barriers:
“I’d hate to see a member of Parliament trip over that.”
^TRF
"I gave him a pat on the back. He’s tiny. He’s a wee fella."
— A security worker describes his experience with Prince William
"To each his own. If it’s too soon, don’t come. Commemorate in your own way."
— Is it too soon to hold a memorial service for the Christchurch quake victims?
