State Funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary's state funeral in New Zealand was held today.

The BBC has some striking photos of the service.

The service was televised through New Zealand, Nepal, and at the Scott Base in Antarctica, which was founded by Sir Edmund.

The service began with the ringing of the bell of the HMNZS Endeavor, the ship that took Sir Edmund's expedition to the Antarctic over half a century ago.

The ice axe Sir Edmund used to summit Everest lay atop his coffin, and as the casket left the cathedral, it passed an honor guard holding ice axes.

A fitting end to a remarkable life.

Previously: Sir Edmund Hillary Dies at 88.