New Zealand troops outside Le Quesnoy, November 1918. Photo:
This week's "Sonic" Moment of Calm comes from a listener, Kirsty Garner.
Kirsty's great uncle Walter McIntyre died during the battle for the French village of Le Quesnoy during the final week of the First World War.
Earlier this year Kirsty travelled from her home in Otago to Northern France to visit her uncle's grave.
Kirsty sent us a recording of her singing the Waiata "Puria Nei" in Te Reo, French and English at Walter's graveside, and we thought given Remembrance Day (the anniversary of the Armistice on November 11 1918) was earlier this week, now was a good time to share it with you.
There's a bit of wind noise, but Kirsty's voice, while soft, is strong and steady.
New Zealand memorial at Le Quesnoy. Photo:
The actions of the New Zealand division in liberating Le Quesnoy on November 4 1918 are celebrated in the village to this day.
But the liberation also cost the lives of 130 New Zealanders, including Kirsty's Uncle Walter, who died just a week before the war's end.
We invite you to listen to Kirsty's Waiata, and maybe remember your ancestors, as she remembers hers.
Laying wreaths at the graves of New Zealanders killed in the battle for Le Quesnoy. Photo: NZDF
