We're not lost, Sergeant, We're in … France

Farewell Haka by New Zealand troops

I’ve seen a few rugby matches involving New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks perform their Haka, Ka Mate, before matches and could not helped but be moved by it. The power and intensity of the players is conveyed so movingly. For those not familiar, nomadone described it:

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.

Three members of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Corporal Luke Tamatea, Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker and Private Richard Harris, who were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) incident on 19 August in Bamyan Province in Afghanistan returned home. Their battalion expressed their emotion at the return of their comrades and the video has been shared.

Though their land and uniform may not be ours, in our shared fight, the loss is felt here as well.

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