The timing of today’s memorial service in Christchurch has been criticised as being too soon and some want to wait until the Febraury 22 next year, the first anniversary of the earthquake.
It would be appropriate to mark the first anniversary in some way but today provides a much-needed opportunity for people in Christchurch, throughout New Zealand and further afield to remember and reflect.
More than 160 people from some 20 countries lost their lives, others were injured and a great many more have lost homes, jobs and businesses.
Today’s service will be ecumenical, multi-faith and multi-cultural.
It will not be the end of the grief.
It will be a stage on the road to recovery for those directly affected and be an opportunity for the rest of us to think of the city, its people, the people from other countries who died, their family and friends and also the people of Japan still dealing with their post-quake crisis.
It will be a time for tears but also for hope such as that expressed in this message from Rev Geoff and Gillian King of Knox Church.
The shell of their church building on the corner of Victoria Street and Bealey Avenue was often in the background of news broadcasts but they say the destruction of buildings doesn’t imply the demise of communities or faith.
On return from a morning walk Geoff wrote:
The birds were back this morning.
I could hear one or two of them singing,
As silt-laden wind chased the dog and me around our broken streets.
The birds were back, and with them the song of something other than sirens,
Or the low-pitched rumble of an earthquake,
Or the terrified screams of fleeing lunchtime shoppers
Or the muffled sobs of brave and bewildered men, women and children
Trying unsuccessfully to fight back tears.
The birds were back,
and as the sun strove vainly to pierce the swirling cloud of pulverised
masonry and liquefaction
their song sounded
a
bit
like
“Hope”
Today’s service will provide the opportunity to express sorrow. May it also give comfort and hope.
I’ve driven past Knox a number of time since the September 4th ‘quake; they had a sign outside saying “We’re cracked, but not broken”. Sadly, February 22 was far more serious.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Christchurch today, and I’m looking forward to going down there late tomorrow for a few days to catch up with whanau, friends and staff; and to proving Ken Ring wrong!
I think this is wrong – there are still people buried in the rubble, people without homes, water, sewerage and we put on a show for pompous dignitaries and washed up celebrities to posture for National TV with empty and meaningless platitudes for the grieving.
Andrei you aren’t alone in thinking this but there is no perfect time for a memorial service.
I think you misunderstand the motivation of those who will take part and attened the service too. Their aim is to help not to posture and I don’t think their words will be meaningless platitudes.
Both points of view are given here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/4781991/Mixed-feelings-over-service