WELLINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Commemorations were held in Christchurch on Sunday to mark the seventh anniversary of the 2019 mosque shootings that left 51 worshippers dead, in one of New Zealand's darkest days.
Survivors, families and community leaders gathered for prayers and remembrance events across the largest city on New Zealand's South Island.
The day began with "the Walk the Talk for Unity" at the Bridge of Remembrance in the city center, organized by the Sakinah Community Trust, a group founded by several widows of the victims.
A memorial ceremony at the World Peace Bell in Christchurch Botanic Gardens included a minute's silence and the reading of all 51 victims' names, followed by the laying of wreaths.
Australian white supremacist Brenton Tarrant carried out the attacks on March 15, 2019, at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Center in Christchurch during Friday prayers. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute on social media, saying Christchurch and New Zealand "showed the world strength, compassion and unity in the face of tragedy" seven years ago, and he vowed to continue to "build a country where everyone can live in peace and safety." ■