(Video) A moving tribute to fallen warriors

**Posted by Phineas

Via Michael Yon, here’s video from the New Zealand Defence Force of members of the 2/1 Battalion enacting a Maori haka to honor comrades killed by an IED trap in Afghanistan:

From the description posted by the NZDF:

Haka is used throughout New Zealand by many, not only M?ori, 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 M?ori (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.

Aside from the haka itself, what I find so fascinating are the stark contrasts in the ceremony: between the loud, demonstrative warriors’ farewell and the quiet dignity of the Christian priest leading the fallen to their rest; between the world of the Maori and that of England. The two come together and, instead of clashing, blend to create something very powerful.

May they rest in peace.

(Crossposted at Public Secrets)

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