Another sad day for NZDF at Christchurch airport

[@Ron-uq2hg]

I left New Zealand 60 years ago to see the world. I pretty much have. I have never forgotten the unique things about New Zealand and even today my heart swells with pride when I see a Haka performed. New Zealand when I grew up you almost lost your Polynesian identity. The government seemed to have decided to eliminate Māori culture and language except for tourists. Thank god you didn’t it makes you such a special country.

[@fishingcrazynz6858]

still remember bringing my commrads home and walking off tht plane like it was yesterday. miss u breathers. was an honour to serve with u. until we meet again rest easy. 2/1 KURA TAKAHI PUNI. ONWARD

[@pfdrtom]

As an American I want to thank all our allied brothers and sisters who served and that although American commercialism pop culture may make it seem that we don't care so much, the majority of us do. We cry for our own fallen and for our allies fallen brave. Treaties be damned, you didn't have to take up this fight after 9/11. Your countries could have said no. The individual soldier in many allied countries had to volunteer to go to Afghanistan or Iraq and that is ultimate in supporting a friend. To throw yourself into harms way when you don't have to. There's a lot wrong with my country, but there's a lot right with it, too. Please don't lose sight of that. Thank you.

[@andrewjoyce8950]

pfdrtom I

[@robertglennienz]

Respect. My brother has a sister in law who is ex U.S.A.F. She was a surgeon treating casualties out of Iraq and Afghanistan. I don't agree with a lot of the wars that the U.S. gets involved in, but I know the ordinary service personnel are there to serve their country. Many will wonder whether the cause is just or not, but that will not change the fact that orders are orders, something they understand very well.

[@johnbaxendine4132]

Thank you for the kind words,Let Freedom Ring ,when ever there is dark times,GD the NZDF

[@richardwahl6906]

Moving stuff, fallen comrades welcomed home as heroes. Take note world, this is how Kiwis pay tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters. RIP.

[@Mookie70]

Noted..its their culture. Every culture has a different way of expressing, doesn't minimise the level of respect they have for our their fallen because they do not do a haka

[@jt66radioguy4]

U.S. ARMY guy here... and much respect for our allies. Impressive and Respectful. RIP.

[@6613anthony]

So sad, from an ex Brit soldier, brought tears to my eyes, so emotional! God bless all you ANZACS, Our Colonial Brothers in Arms!

[@southroncross9515]

Much respect from the USA to the NZDF. May your fallen heroes rest in peace.

[@jlhwtp1]

I stood through many ramp ceremonies on the Kandahar Air field. Whether it was my fellow Canadian soldier, Common Wealth or US soldier they were all very dignified in there parade and when you see the Haka performed for these fallen soldiers, it is a sad but great way to welcome home those who are now resting.

[@slh5544]

I saw American brothers in arms saluting your fallen. Thank you for your service. Allies we shall forever be. If your nation ever needs help. You can call upon us and we shall defend you with our lives.

[@86nugget19]

Brother... our nations stand for all the same humanrights and idoelogy as each other... we have to be tight for what ever this century will throw at mine and your country... kia kaha ( stay strong ) cousin!

[@cnm757]

Steven Hiller Nah dude, the US has suspended whatever obligations were due NZ under ANZUS as they do not want the NZ government making judgements as to whether visiting USN ships are nuclear armed. Ally status has been revoked. I think we're just good friends these days. All good, one needs a very long spoon to sup with that particular devil.

[@Dac1011]

Little comfort but God bless New Zealand and her brave sons and daughters. Freedom will reign

[@foleylee8200]

Fitting tribute to fallen brothers and sisters! And to the NZDF you are brothers and sisters all no matter what country we fight and die for! Much respect!

[@honawikeepa5813]

Amen bro, brothers and sisters.

[@AussieLAFO]

RIP to our NZ brothers. Respect from Australia Anzacs

[@Arill0]

US Air Force showing respect. Awesome.

[@douglasiles2024]

Semper Paratus to our fallen allies in NZ, from a Coast Guard veteran.

[@jimlarkin4659]

Belated condolences from New Jersey may they R.I.P.

[@alicekorenhof38]

All I can say is: IMPRESSIVE. Wish we would honour our soldiers like you do....

[@rickyladen2271]

Thank you New Zealand for always having our backs hopefully better days are coming for our country

[@thecounto2100]

Thank you brothers and sis.

[@Wardads1]

I have been a pallbearer at a military funeral for one of my mates including gun carriage for the coffin and 21 gun salute . It is a very difficult drill that you are compelled to perform with the best you can muster ,for your mate and their family , made even more difficult by the very fact its your mate .. The send off all warriors deserve .

[@jasonpressler7111]

i wish we would do more here in america for fallen brothers.

[@yonp100]

This sent a chill down my spine..RIP From uk

[@ibell252]

Gives me goosebumps every time I watch this..and I've watched it quite a few times..upmost respect for all of the fallen...I can't actually believe that this clip has a few thumbs down...heartless to say the least..!

[@blindedronin]

Found this very touching!! Seeing how you honour your fallen is heart warming!!

[@amandamoon583]

A beautiful way to pay your respects. R.I.P and thank you to all the men and women in the service, you are truly heros.

[@tomdixonzl2hgr15]

Moving very very moving, thank you for your service, much respect ONWARD!!!

[@Lavaman3682]

Much respect from a fellow Polynesian. Especially the salutes. Welcome home. "And Eternal rest grant unto Thee"

[@gregorykimishii4953]

May the fallen heroes rest in peace ! 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@Fretfire6]

One can only be in awe of a warrior that has been deemed worthy enough to be honored with a ceremony such as this.

[@1973Washu]

They will never be forgotten.

[@bs2502]

Damn sad. Rest in peace Soldiers. Lest we forget.

[@Gerrard519]

RIP thank you for going to war so that our children don't have too. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made so that we at home can remain safe. Thank you for the journey you are about to take so that the rest of us can stay behind. I have never met you but my heart and thoughts will ever be in my mind. Arohanui our NZ heroes you have touched us eternally.

[@theallseeingmaster]

I'm so very sorry for their family, friends, comrades, and their proud beautiful nation.

[@Gerrard519]

Thank you

[@honawikeepa5813]

Thank you for your service! God bless!

[@JackRRivers]

Emotional. Kiakaha to those who serve our country.

[@jonathanjohannis6035]

Kia kaha my fellow kiwis. Thank you for giving your fellow kiwis the ultimate price. Respect.

[@irishmonkey8695]

I pay my respect to these brave soilders.

[@charliesommers494]

It is a great shame that anyone has to die for their country but it is fitting that when they do they are honored like this. Sleep peacefully brave warriors.

[@thestick52]

With all my respect and admiration. Rest in Peace... Florianópolis, Brazil.

[@LongBinh70]

What a glaring contrast. I am a Vietnam veteran (US Army). Early in my enlistment I volunteered to be on the firing squad that would fire 21 gun salutes at military funerals, and there were a bunch of them in 1969 at the height of the war. We never got to see the coffins as they touched down on home soil, only the next step at the burial. But it was a very unpopular war, and I'm sure the deceased soldiers were snuck home and released to their local funeral directors with no fanfare. The funerals ran the gamut also. My first was a young black infantryman who survived his first tour, reenlisted and volunteered for a second tour. Weeks into his redeployment his armored personnel carrier hit a mine and obliterated him from the waist down. He came from a small town in North Carolina that had been founded by freed slaves after the Civil War. The entire town showed up for the funeral and filled the cemetery. When we fired off the first shot the crowd erupted in a wail that would have deafened Valkires. On the other end of the spectrum was another Private we buried in the downtown ghetto in Newark, NJ. We were sent to the cemetery to wait for the funeral procession. Then it came: a sedan for the funeral director and mourners, and a station wagon for the coffin. The "mourner" was the soldier's brother, a local pimp, with a "ho" on each arm. There were no pall bearers - two groundskeepers and a few of our shooters carried the simple box from the wagon to the grave. But we reformed up and sent him off the honor he deserved.

[@damonnz0120]

Very sad

[@markthompson8561]

We shall remember them. They are our honored brothers & sisters regardless of branch of service. They are with us always, & will always keep us honest and true. KIA MAU!

[@andrewmorris1453]

R.I.P Duty Done Stand Easy from a British Veteran

[@Gerrard519]

God bless you our Australian friend, back at you with your guys. May they return home safe and my they return home soon. God bless Australia!

[@maxhahto7217]

Tearfully awesome!

[@Harbisondude]

Wow! What a fitting tribute from their fellow warriors! God bless and keep you who travel far from kin and heaths to protect the innocent!

[@sirtinzoflee1]

Respect to your fallen warriors never a good day but there home now. From a UK ex service man

[@normanolsen]

brothers, and sisters in arms.....

[@carlosrodriguez6717]

Respect to the family

[@fixdeluxeparsons3689]

Never forget them....

[@gragrn]

God bless them...

[@philipr1567]

God bless all in the NZDF. The ANZACs great tradition lives on. Remember the fallen - and look after their families.

[@bUkWiLd323]

After losing my bro Corporal Douglas Hughes early this year pulls the heart strings again. RIP our 3 heroes

[@pauldavies5655]

RIP !! FULL RESPECT !!

[@metrotxmex]

May your name live on forever brother, TEX.

[@REFRESHH]

Respect from the Netherlands... RIP

[@TheSprog2010]

REspect to them...an emotional ex RE from UK

[@gladeye2]

Geez guys, a little respect aye, Their families could be watching this.... RIP

[@AthenaGM]

My heart aches!

[@Tenshiyami13]

R.I.P To the fallen heroes.... -Grandson to a now deceased 1stRTR Officer

[@daphnethurlow7312]

Love New Zealand - God'own -lovely people, so spirited and open, such a beautiful land beyond everyplace else. Very sad to see this. The female officers did very well to carry their fallen comrade. I have never seen women act as a bearer party before. The haka was very special. Always is. RIP fallen soldiers everywhere.

[@ira9999]

Just so 'PROUD' of our 'MEN'. Thanx Ngati Tumatauenga / New Zealand Army (NZDF) for this awe inspiring send off for our 'Fallen Whanau'. Welcome Home xxx

[@Sgt-xw5lx]

Hooah...REST IN PEACE Brother and Sister..

[@documentaryaddict]

Thank you. RIP. Jeff/USA

[@patches53]

MAXIMUM RESPECT RIP

[@agentstarling9998]

I am a US Marine (female) and was in Iraq in 2003. It was not fun. Seeing ANY service member die during the fulfillment of their duties during The Global War on Terrorism is treacherous and especially treacherous when it is a fellow female. RIP warriors. Fair winds and following seas. You did not die in vain.

[@ac130ugunship]

Thank you A retired Kiwi Rifleman, "Onward"

[@Gerrard519]

thank you

[@ReubenAllenNZ]

RIP to all the NZ brothers and sisters that lost their lives Hawke’s Bay 🙏🏼 much respect

[@shankthatup]

Jazz , omg mate it feels good to see at least one person who's awake . How long until the rest wake up ?? I don't know but for the sake of all of us hopefully soon !

[@MrBarratMerrin]

A moving way to honour and acknowledge the lives of three people who died serving others. Lest we forget.

[@romeo9017]

Respect...

[@enja001]

may the brave rest in peace

[@Gruingle1]

RIP, their duty is done

[@AthenianNZ]

I think even though people have a lot of negative opinions about afghan, its still a very sad thing for this to happen and we need to show our support.

[@BlackJackJoe99]

Great way to welcome fallen comrade's back home. RIP where ever it may be.

[@nickiskibum1]

Stand easy soldiers your duty is over, the rest of 2/1 will fall in. RIP our three brave soldiers; salute, UP... ONE, TWO, THREE. DOWN.... ONE, TWO, THREE. ONWARDS.

[@andreasspinnrock3557]

My Respect 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@cljerjr31]

may God bless their Souls Afghanistan has changed the lives of so many Soldiers. Godspeed warriors.

[@111GUSSY]

Heart breaking

[@tatahiwilliams8421]

R.I.P to our fallen soldiers condolences to the families may God bless.. to NZ brave soldiers may God take use in to his kingdom... R.I.P...

[@WRKF0RAMMO3]

Rest In Peace young warrior.

[@officertnation7716]

Why Would People Dislike!? No Respect

[@negativejayklootynive914]

13 dislikes are ISIS tho

[@Beveck1]

Rest in peace solder I respect you

[@brainmaster82]

wonderful traditions...

[@izaiahmahanga-grant1531]

Mad love and respect to our Kiwi troops

[@rickd248]

NO disrespect intended, just a question. Is it a custom to have all females carry a casket like that or did it just happen? R.I.P. Troopers, you have truly earned it!

[@wahinelittin]

+rickd248 It is custom as one of the soldiers killed was a female.

[@rickd248]

Wahine Littin Thank you. I thought that might be the case.

[@bumbleandprincess]

+rickd248 Yes that is correct. The Male soldiers killed would have been carried my males and the Female soldier would have been carried by females. It's great that you ask questions for it is only by doing this that we are able to explain our customs to other people. Wishing you and your Whanau (Family) much Aroha (Love and respect) over the Xmas period..... Big Jim (Ngati Whatua Tribe) New Zealand!!!!!

[@rickd248]

bumbleandprincess A little late but back at you! Happy New Year to you and yours! Thanks for answering my question, it's the only way to learn.

[@RARDingo]

Usually pall bearers are from the same unit as the fallen.

[@udaynj]

RIP. Brave warriors

[@Antifaith29]

Rest in Peace my ANZAC brothers. - A retired Australian rifleman.

[@indiabriggs1507]

I bawled my eyes out watching this

[@xZotiC454]

much love goes out to our fallen soldiers, but remember. god lifts them up. to where they now belong. they served NZ with all that they could. I personally dont think our country should be over there. but no matter what. I will always support or soldiers. I have family in the NZDF and i hate the fact that they are fighting a battle that was not ours to begin with. although they choose to do it i wish the outcome wasn't so upsetting. rest easy.

[@nzflavad]

Rest easy soldiers x

[@trapperraptor7356]

Respect,,,Trapper Recce,,XXV,,,,

[@kiwitedferny]

Good job done by the troopers there to take the caskets. RIP.

[@TheCarin12]

What is in the small box the soldier is carrying after the main coffins? Is that a soldier too?

[@timbo_6900]

personal effects, the photos etc that lay on the coffin

[@glsix]

Made me cry

[@arohasnowden5601]

I love you new zealand 🇳🇿 ❤ 😭😭

[@TheFunnshop]

R.I.P Currant British Roayl Marine true sense of Family in you brave kiwi's

[@grimes1967]

RIP to you all

[@AKUwezo]

May your haka put heaven's gates on notice, these warriors are coming home. Respect from this yank.

[@honawikeepa5813]

Respect. God defend NZ.

[@jamesbond-cv6ik]

I feel sad for the families of the soldiers who gave there lives in a war thats going to end just like in Vietnam, its time to bring our boys home. It does surprise me that people seem so shocked when our soldiers die in a combat zone, thats what happens in war.