Two minutes of silence was observed throughout New Zealand today for the victims of last Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch. Cathedral bells throughout the various cities tolled at 12.51pm - the time the deadly quake struck a week ago today.
Everyone was asked to stand quietly, wherever they were, and to reflect on the tragedy which has befallen Christchurch and as a sign of unity for the people of Canterbury - to remember its people particularly, and especially those who have lost family members and close friends and whose homes have suffered considerable damage - but to remember the city too, its beautiful setting and stately buildings, so much once but now no more.
Even the search and rescue work that is still going on in Christchurch came to a halt for 2 minutes.
The Police have updated the death toll in the quake to 154; however with many still missing, they are predicting that the number of deaths will rise as high as 240+.
Joshua's teacher suggested to some of the parents that they might like to join the boys in the quad at this time and so I stood alongside all the boys in the Prep School, some girls visiting from Queen Margaret College, teachers and a few parents today at 12.51pm. You could not hear a sound and it was moving indeed to stand quietly as one, thinking of those in Christchurch where so many and so much has been lost.
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