Haka! A magnificent send-off for fallen comrades

[Fortitudo Dei]

Being a New Zealander, I can sometime get blasé about the Haka (the traditional New Zealand Maori challenge / dance) especially when I see it being used excessively or poorly performed by drunken Kiwis in London.
Then I see something like this and it puts shivers up my spine.
This Haka was performed a couple of days ago on a NZ Army base to farewell fallen comrades who were recently killed in Afghanistan.
Ake! Ake! Kia Kaha E!

 

[jumper]

I can't think of a more respectful way for warriors to say goodbye.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

I can't think of a more respectful way for warriors to say goodbye.

Jumper:

...and as warriors...we must honor the soldiers whatever the nation...wherever they have fallen...Kia kaha!!!

"You will never know the true nature of your nationality, until your Nation calls you to Serve". CBJ

 

[Intrigued]

I had never seen or heard of the Haka before this. I had to google to understand the meaning and history behind it.
It is indeed a great and fitting farewell to a fallen comrade. Thank you for sharing this.

 

[Larry J]

I first witnessed the Haka in the film "Once Were Warriors". Powerful stuff.

 

[P Funk]

I have seen it when performed by ballers before rugby (or is it Aussie rules football?) matches. I thought it was a cool tribute/integration of NZ's indigenous history but also a bit of a caricature as it is done in a sporting arena.

This is just plain awesome. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Rushman2112]

I watch a lot of rugby here and I have seen the ABs perform their haka many times, and frankly I am a bit bored by it now. This clip on the other hand is compelling to watch, the meaning and intent is so vivid, seeing it done by warriors to honour their comrades is quite awesome.

 

[daddymauro]

R.I.P. Brothers. Lost one out of my last unit on Tuesday. Sappers in the Breach.