Published 14:10 IST, September 12th 2019
New Zealand Police officers give Haka tribute to 9/11 victims
After 18 years, New Zealand police department's firefighters gave tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11 by performing a Haka dance on the streets of Auckland.
- World News
- 2 min read
Eighteen years after the 9/11 bombings by Al-Qaeda on the World Trade Centre buildings, the New Zealand officers from the Fire and Emergency Department paid tribute to the 2996 lives lost in the accident. They performed the legendary war dance called 'Haka' on the street in Auckland. The powerful depiction of grief and resilience by the fighters warmed hearts of netizens worldwide. The video was posted on the official page of Fire and Emergency NZ on September 9. They remembered the first line of firefighters who gave their lives in the rescue operations after the terror bombings.
What is Haka?
Haka is an ancient Maori war dance. The traditional use of the dance is on the battlefield, as well as when the groups come together in peace. In Haka, people come together for a fierce display of the pride, strength and unity that symbolizes their tribe. The basic actions in the dance include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions, and rhythmic body slapping along with a loud chant. Evidently, Haka is an ancestral war cry. One of the main reasons why Haka is performed is to scare the opponents. The violent expressions are the real 'war cry' in Maori culture.
Netizens, applaud
The video which has now crossed more than 76 thousand views in less than 24 hours, netizens have applaud the enthusiasm showed by the firefighters. As Haka dance form is close to the hearts of New Zealanders, most comments were also about the same. One Facebook user said that it was a beautiful display of Kiwi culture from the firefighters and is a tribute of solidarity on the 9/11 anniversary. Another user thanked the New Zealand firefighters for honouring their “Fallen Heroes Firefighters”. One firefighter from the US asked the ones in New Zealand to teach him the dance form which can make him part of the brotherhood and honour the heroes which will not be forgotten. Others also thanked the brave hearts and wished safety for them. Most people also commented that “Haka always brings tears” in their eyes.
Updated 15:46 IST, September 12th 2019