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.