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Tribute to Firefighters
Artist Graham Bennett's Tribute to Firefighters was unveiled
on Labour Weekend as part of the opening of the new
Firefighters Reserve on the Avon River, at the corner of Madras
and Kilmore streets. The ceremony began with a Maori blessing lead by Reverend
Maurice Gray, then a welcome message by Christchurch Mayor
Garry Moore. Speakers included the Minister of Internal Affairs
George Hawkins and United States Ambassador Charles Swindells,
who read a letter from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Fire
Department New York Chaplain Evertt Wabst also spoke, as did
a representative from the local Muslim community. Towards the end of the ceremony, 30 doves symbolising
peace were released to a plaintive rendition of Amazing Grace
by a piper who had been hoisted on a fire service cherry picker
onto the parapet of the nearby Oxford Terrace Baptist Church. Over the following week, Christchurch hosted the 7th World
Firefighters Games, with more than 2000 firefighters from around
the world competing in a variety of sporting events and challenges. Graham Bennett, along with engineer Jeff Golding, created the
commemorative sculpture using twisted girders from the Twin
Towers of the World Trade Centre. When a dedicated
sculpture was proposed for the new Firefighters Reserve, it was
suggested that steel from the fallen towers would be an
appropriate material. The Council approached New York City
which gifted the steel to Christchurch, one of only five places
in the world given permission to use it. The reserve, designed by landscape architect Wayne Rimmer,
is dedicated to firefighters from around the world who have
lost their lives in the course of duty. "The commemorative park
will serve as a place of celebration, as well as contemplation and
reflection," said Garry Moore. "The World Firefighters Games is
huge for Christchurch, and this reserve gives us an opportunity
to mark the event, as well as the courage of firefighters
everywhere. The sculpture is a reminder of what happens when
people stop talking to one another." The sculpture and reserve were funded through an
extraordinary partnership between the Council and public
donors. "More than 60 per cent of the cost was covered by
generous financial and in-kind sponsorship from a number of
firms within Christchurch and Canterbury," said project
manager Lloyd Greenfield. Principal sponsors were Lion
Foundation, John Rhind Funeral Directors, Scenic Circle and
City Care, and the sea freight was covered by Warners Hotel. |