The man who led the United States response team after last February's earthquake says the team will never forget the sense of community, as Christchurch residents pulled together in the wake of the disaster.
Al Dwyer, from the office of the United States Foreign Disaster Assistance, led 72 American search and rescue professionals to help with emergency services.
Mr Dwyer, who has returned for Wednesday's commemoration services, will accept a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the US team from the Christchurch City Council.
He says the team responds to disasters around the world but the people in Christchurch made last year's efforts different to any other he had experienced in his career.
