Remembrance poppy placed on top of the Bridge of Remembrance

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel today oversaw the placement of a remembrance poppy on the Bridge of Remembrance, to commemorate those who fought for New Zealand in the First World War and all later conflicts.

The Bridge of Remembrance and Triumphal Arch are currently undergoing major reconstruction following the extensive damage caused by the Canterbury Earthquakes. Work is on schedule for completion by September 2015. Mayor Dalziel says acknowledging our armed services at the Bridge of Remembrance, even during the repairs, is fitting.

“The Bridge of Remembrance and Triumphal Arch hold a very special place in the consciousness and hearts of Cantabrians. It symbolises the sacrifice and courage of those who fought for New Zealand during times of conflict, and gives us a place to reflect on the sacrifices they made and the immeasurable loss.

"In 1914, our armed services marched across the original bridge on this site, on their way to war. Some of them never returned. Restoring and strengthening the bridge to the highest level is an appropriate way to honour the men and women of our armed services," Mayor Dalziel says.

A dedicated area has been set up on the Cambridge Terrace side of the Bridge of Remembrance for residents to lay tributes and wreaths.

Mayor Dalziel is encouraging people to attend Christchurch’s 2015 ANZAC Dawn Service this Saturday 25 April, at Cranmer Square. Those attending will gather from 6am and the parade will start at the Returned Services Association (RSA), Armagh Street at 6.15am. The service begins at 6.30am.

"ANZAC Day is sacred to New Zealand and the people of Christchurch, and this service is an opportunity for communities to come together to reflect on the sacrifices of our armed services, past and present, in times of peace and conflict," Mayor Dalziel says.

ANZAC Dawn Service, Saturday 25 April 2015

The dawn service will be held in Cranmer Square.

Service format:

• From 6am–6.15am: People gather
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• 6.15am: the parade begins at the RSA, Armagh Street
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• 6.30am: the service begins centred around the temporary memorial cenotaph in Cranmer Square
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• 7.15am: the service concludes with wreath-laying
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The service will be organised by the Canterbury Branch of the Malayan Veterans Association in conjunction with the Christchurch Branch of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA) and Christchurch City Council.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel will lay a wreath on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch.

ENDS

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