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Simon Baker / Reuters
Members of the public look on during a memorial service in Christchurch, New Zealand on Feb. 22, 2012, to mark the anniversary of the earthquake which killed 185 people.
Greg Bowker / New Zealand Herald via AP
Two women embrace as people gather at Hagley Park in Christchurch for the memorial service.
The Associated Press reports from WELLINGTON, New Zealand — More than 10,000 New Zealanders stood in silence, some in tears, at a Christchurch park Wednesday while police officers and firefighters read out the names of all 185 people who died in a devastating earthquake one year ago.
The reading was followed by two minutes of silence at 12:51 p.m., the minute the magnitude-6.1 quake struck. It destroyed thousands of homes and much of downtown Christchurch, causing 30 billion dollars ($25 billion) in damage by the government's estimate.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told the crowd that the city would never be the same again. He said people disagree about how the city should be rebuilt, but that one day it will again be a great place to live and work. Read the full story.
Martin Hunter / Getty Images
A boy carries a bear as families arrive at Latimer Square ahead of the anniversary memorial.
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Been a long 12 months Kiwi's and we have not forgotten you. No things never will be the same again, but with courage, determination and your mates standing by your side, you will be OK..Best wishes to you all from across the ditch....
Have always loved NZ, especially Christchurch and all the South Island. Wishing you all the strength to rebuild your lives. You live in a very special place. All the best from your friends in the US.
We tend to forget very easily with time but our friend and ally suffered a very major disaster. It is not difficult to comprehend the disaster when families lose their loved ones forever. It is easy for us to say good luck and move on but at the other end of the stick there is a Mother and Father or Brother and Sister that have lost someone near and dear. To tell a mother to move on and get on with life is one statement with no rationale as a Mother will never forget or stop mourning someone that came from her very womb someone who is connected to her life being forever and ever till she dies. To my firends and allies in New Zealand my love and heart felt sorrow is with you duing these difficult times and for years to come. we never forget our loved ones and we never will based on our love for each other. To all the Mothers who lost your loved ones my heart can only feel your love but never know exactly how you feel for your loss as it is all within you.
love you christchurch! stayyyy strong! kia kaha my friends!