A FORMER Huddersfield man has told of a moving memorial service to remember the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.
As Japan reels from the disastrous effects of the earthquake a week ago, Prince William led a service in New Zealand – 36 days after it was hit by a huge quake.
At least 154 people died and many more were injured, with many still unaccounted for.
John Costello, who emigrated to New Zealand from Clayton West in May 2003, said: “They turned out in their thousands and all participated in a very emotional afternoon which was broadcast live to the rest of the country.’’
John, an industrial electrician, added: “Quite a few of the other population centres throughout New Zealand also held their own memorial services, showing that this country is one big family.
“This is probably due to its relatively small population of just over four million people.
“It had been planned to hold a “walk of silence’’ for anyone who wanted to see the catastrophe first-hand prior to the memorial service, in the central business district, but it was deemed to be unsafe so this walk was cancelled.
“The warmest reception though was given in the form of a spontaneous standing ovation when the Urban Search and Rescue personnel turned up to attend the service.”
Mr Costello, who works in Christchurch, said a two-minute silence was held at 12:51 – the time the earthquake struck.
“Mention was made of the number of foreign nationals who were visiting or studying here; 71 of them died in one building, many of them Japanese.
“The events in Japan were mentioned by many speakers, their quake makes our two seem like two shivers.
“There is a bond growing here between two peoples, thousands of miles apart, united in tragedy,” said Mr Costello.
