New Zealand soldiers honoring their fallen

**Team Sergeant** · 08-29-2012, 16:54

I don't usually post youtube videos but this was amazing to watch.

2nd 1st farewell their fallen comrades with a huge haka

Published on Aug 25, 2012 by NZDefenceForce

Haka is used throughout New Zealand by many, not only Māori, to demonstrate their collective thoughts. There is a haka for each of the Services, as well as the Defence Force. Units with the NZ Army have their own haka. This video shows the soldiers of 2/1 RNZIR Battalion performing their Unit haka, powerfully acknowledging the lives and feats of their fallen comrades as they come onto the Unit's parade ground. It is also an emotive farewell for they will leave via the waharoa (the carved entrance way) for the very last time.

Haka --sometimes termed a posture dance could also be described as a chant with actions. There are various forms of haka; some with weapons some without, some have set actions others may be 'free style.' Haka is used by Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand) for a myriad of reasons; to challenge or express defiance or contempt, to demonstrate approval or appreciation, to encourage or to discourage, to acknowledge feats and achievements, to welcome, to farewell, as an expression of pride, happiness or sorrow. There is almost no inappropriate occasion for haka; it is an outward display of inner thoughts and emotions. Within the context of an occasion it is abundantly clear which emotion is being expressed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI6TRTBZUMM

Abu Jack · 08-29-2012, 17:17

I went to Malaysian Jungle Survival School back in the early 90s with a couple Kiwi's. One was from 1st and one was from 2nd. They were great guys. We had some wild trips to Singapore.

The Haka in the video was an awesome way to honor their fallen comrade, may he rest in peace.

Richard · 08-29-2012, 17:30

Fijians, Tongans, and Samoans also perform such Haka ceremonies.

A local high school football team which consistently ranks nationally has a large Tongan/Samoan community and does a team Haka prior to each game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbHffGdbEpw

Haka ceremonies are a sight to behold.

Richard

MtnGoat · 08-29-2012, 18:25

Now that is great! Thanks for the link TS.

Badger52 · 08-29-2012, 18:28

That is a very moving thing.

Golf1echo · 08-29-2012, 20:23

Thank you, That was inspiring and an honor to watch. When I go I would prefer something like that or a wake...not grieving .

Flagg · 08-31-2012, 02:21

It really has made the rounds.

And it's great to see my Platoon Sergeant in the thick of it along with a lot of familiar faces.

What a fantastic send off.

I only wish I could have been there as I was just arriving back in NZ from a trip to the US.

Some tough losses for the ANZACs in recent weeks.

With every local loss I get a better understanding of how tough it's been for service folks in the US and elsewhere.

I had the privilege of participating in my first ramp ceremony last year and at the beginning of this year had the opportunity to meet a retired US Army SF per who told me the story of one of his two sons(also SF) who had died in Afghanistan.

Powerful stuff.

Words are often far too inadequate. The Haka seems to hit the mark at times.

Scimitar · 08-31-2012, 06:25

Thanks TS.

S

**Team Sergeant** · 08-31-2012, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scimitar

Thanks TS.

S

There's no need to thank me, I just posted it.

Watching it again makes me proud I was a part of the military. This is something that 99% of the population would not understand, honor, comradery and a passion for life the combat arms instills.

This was sent to me by another SF soldier. I've never watched a Haka performed, I've never even heard of a Haka before this video. I watched it and understood right away what it meant.

Few things in this world make an impact on me, watching those men perform that Haka was inspiring.
TS

MountainMan35 · 08-31-2012, 23:41

I am not sure I quite understand their tradition but it still makes me warm inside seeing a fallen hero honored one way or another. I suppose haka is their version of our twenty-one gun salute and other military funeral formalities.

PSM · 09-01-2012, 00:04

I was impressed by the sniper in the ghillie suit leading the way and, though not involved, standing watch during the Haka.

Rest in Peace Warriors!

Pat

Flagg · 09-01-2012, 00:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSM

I was impressed by the sniper in the ghillie suit leading the way and, though not involved, standing watch during the Haka.

Rest in Peace Warriors!

Pat

The soldier for whom the Haka was performed was a qualified sniper.

Divemaster · 09-01-2012, 01:19

Fantastic video and what a send off from your brothers. Damn, that would be an awesome way to check out.

The Tongan Marines (badass professional looking dudes) used to have the security job at Al Faw palace on Camp Victory. I've passed through their check point and was impressed. I didn't get to see it, but was told (and read in Stars & Stripes) that each time the security contingent was replaced the out going guys would issue a challange haka to the new guys and the new guys would reply with their own haka. This would take place in the palace at a ceremony.

Of course the NZ All Blacks are famous for their haka at the beginning of each rugby match. When they play Tonga the fans are treated to two hakas. If you have Direct TV, ch 490 has free rugby matches.

Scimitar · 09-01-2012, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainMan35

I am not sure I quite understand their tradition but it still makes me warm inside seeing a fallen hero honored one way or another. I suppose haka is their version of our twenty-one gun salute and other military funeral formalities.

Traditionally, the Haka was a "dance / chant" undertaken by Maori warriors just before they went into battle with opposing tribes.

The hand-to-hand combat was violent (isn’t it always) and the chant would achieve two things
1 – Bring fear to the enemy
2 – Ramp up the adrenalin and spirit of the warriors in preparation for the hand-to-hand combat to come.

Here’s an example of the traditional Maori combat style, highly nuanced for a first nation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuQ1f...eature=related
Start from 4:20+

You may be surprised to discover that the Maori Taiha fight mimics the principals of European combat fencing. Martial is martial.

Much like the 21 gun salute, over time the Haka developed to communicate respect to allied warriors, and tribes. Hence the Haka you witnessed in the Video TS posted.

New Zealand wept that day.

RIP
Private Richard Harris
Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker
Corporal Luke Tamatea
19/08/12

akv · 09-01-2012, 07:52

Beautiful, I think I have something in my eye...