19 Replies to “Onward”

  1. Most people are familiar with the NZ All Blacks pre-game Haku. This one sends shivers down my spine. A true sign of respect for their fallen comrades in arms.

  2. Possibly the best haka I’ve ever heard. Much longer than any I’ve heard as well. Interesting.

  3. this is something that I don’t know much about. Are the Maori well represented in the NZ armed forces?

  4. Nice ceremony. One feels the really heartfelt display of respect, for a fallen comrade in arms.

  5. Can’t you just see some white-wine sippers complaining that scenes like these don’t portray the forces in the caring, sensitive light? ‘What a totally inappropriate response to the death of a comrade’, they’d say. ‘Grief counsellors should be dispatched immediately after they get back from re-education and sensitivity training…’

  6. Here is great video of the New Zealand All Blacks performing the haka before a game against Tonga. The best part is the Tongan response – they faced off and performed the sipi tau (a Tongan war dance). Priceless – all done before a huge crowd in a stadium. You won’t see this in football.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_BCKZqDLUM

  7. And all the white boys are completely into this. Wonderful to see. Just back from NZ, and from what I saw, everyone respects the Maori culture tremendously.

  8. Wow, is it not amazing how words you do not understand can make you feel so profoundly? Wish there was an English translation, according to Wiki there are thousands of hakas, each written to suit the occasion.

  9. Lance, I’ve buried a number of our Canadian warriors and never without being deeply moved. These, our Kiwi cousins, draw deeply upon one’s heart and soul in their tribute.
    Onward indeed.
    Thank you.

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