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A memorial service for the late Sir Edmund Hillary was held in Antarctica yesterday.
The service was held in the Chapel of the Snows at the United States operated McMurdo Station and was led by New Zealand chaplain Father Tom O'Connor.
Senior Antarctica New Zealand representative Dean Peterson said nearly 70 people crammed into the small chapel, with "standing room only".
He said they reminisced about some of Sir Ed's recent trips to Antarctica and Father O'Connor talked about what a humble hero Sir Ed was.
"Everyone's got a connection because of his incredible greatness, even if they never met him," Mr Peterson said.
After the half-hour service they headed to the rugby field for a New Zealand versus United States rugby game. "The Kiwis carried on the 51-year tradition of winning against the US ... but it was 12-0, so it was a close game," Mr Peterson said.
Mr Peterson and five others spent Saturday night in an A-frame hut 10km from Scott Base, which was one of Sir Ed's favourite places, he said.
A Book of Remembrance will be opened in Wellington today.
Acting Wellington Mayor Ian McKinnon said, "The book will be available for signing from 12 noon [in the Town Hall] and Wellingtonians will be welcome to add their names and thoughts from 10am until 6pm each day thereafter."
The book will be presented to Lady June and the Hillary family.
Newmarket Business Association general manager Cameron Brewer has suggested February 29 should be made a public holiday to celebrate Sir Ed's life. "I know any government is reluctant to add an additional public holiday largely because it costs business ... However, a public holiday on February 29 would only take place every four years and so it would be really special."
- NZPA
