New Zealand Firefighters Perform Powerful Haka To Pay Tribute To September 11 First Responders

Sep 12, 2019 by apost team

Firefighters in New Zealand honored 9/11 first responders by performing the traditional Haka dance at the foot of Auckland’s Sky Tower. In addition to the powerful performance, the firefighters also climbed the tower in remembrance of the firefighters who gave their lives in the September 11 attacks. 

US Ambassador Scott Brown shared videos from the event that show the firefighters performing the Haka. Brown wrote next to the video, “An appropriate and uniquely Kiwi way to remember the bravery and sacrifice of 9/11 first responders.” The Haka dance is a type of ancient war dance used on the battlefield as well as when peace was to be shared. 

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According to New Zealand’s website, “Haka is a fierce display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity. Actions include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant.”

Today, haka is performed at sporting events, celebrations, and times of unity. It was used across the country during the wake of the Christchurch attack as a way of bringing people together, reports the BBC.

At the memorial service that was held in New Zealand on Wednesday, the firefighters in New Zealand held a service in honor of the 9/11 victims and first responders. Afterward, more than 200 firefighters climbed the stairs of the Sky Tower which is 328 meters high to help pay tribute to the 343 New York City firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11 according to CNN. 

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