Mourners Gather To Pay Last Respects
21 Jan 2008
The body of New Zealand's greatest hero, Sir Edmund Hillary, is now lying in state at Auckland's Anglican Cathedral.
A brief and moving ceremony marked the arrival of the casket and an Armed Forces pallbearer team marched into the cathedral to a slow drum beat. The casket was draped with a New Zealand flag.
The state funeral of Sir Edmund, who died in hospital nine days ago, will be held tomorrow at the adjourning St Mary's Church.
Governor General Anand Satyanand, Prime Minister Helen Clark, Opposition Leader John Key and other politicians gathered for the service this morning, while representatives of the Ngati Whatua, the local Maori tribe, gave a traditional welcome as Sir Ed's casket arrived.
Once the casket was put in place, the Governor General lead in laying wreaths at the casket.
Prime Minister Helen Clark said today's ceremony was about showing respect and recognising the great contribution Sir Ed had made.
She also paid tribute to Lady Hillary, who she said was a strong woman who she respected and admired.
"She is leading all of us through this."
Miss Clark said the wreath-laying ceremony had "brought it all home".
"People have been stopped in their tracks since they learned of Sir Ed's passing. New Zealand has lost its greatest hero."
Representatives of the Indian community placed flower garlands around a framed painting of a young Sir Edmund that sits beside the coffin.
Large numbers of people are expected to say farewell to New Zealand's favourite son and the cathedral will remain open overnight.
Following tomorrow's service, Sir Ed's casket will be driven through the Auckland Domain before his remains are cremated in a private service.
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