Leonard's Funeral
Maori Warriors cleared a path for the gun carriage. this was traditionally done for the arrival of any great chief. (Afterwards their feet were bleeding)
Leonard was given a Full Military Honours Funeral. He was the first NZ soldier killed in combat since Vietnam. There were about 1500 people there including our Prime Minister and many other important dignitaries. There were many euologies given expressing Leonard's character. Strong, determined, professional & skilled as well as being a real funny guy and a friend to all in need.
Gun carriage - we carried from the his old school hall where we had held the service to the cemetery. His casket was placed on a gun carriage and draped with the NZ ensign. A Korowai (Maori cloak) was placed at the foot of his casket.
KOROWAITHE KOROWAI (Cloak)
The korowai is woven from NZ flax with bird feathers interwoven at intervals. Made by 80 year old Mrs. Pani McGowan whose son was a Regimental Sergeant Major of the NZ Army between 1986-1989 and known by his comrades as “Teach” having joined the army from a career in teaching. The draping of a korowai on a loved one is the ultimate honour of respect bestowed upon the person. It signifies the unity of all people and, in particular, the claiming of this person as a significant member of a tribe – in this instance the Raukawa tribe. Made of natural material it recognises the journey of the deceased to return to the natural wonders of the earth created so lovingly by our heavenly maker. In pre-European times, the Maori wrapped their loved ones in the korowai before interment. Mrs. McGowan, of Ngatira Marae, Putaruru was visibly moved by the honour bestowed upon her by Leonard's family in allowing her korowai to be placed upon him and said she felt as though he was “a son of her own flesh and blood”.
The rifle salute is the highest honour for a fallen solder. And the Last Post was played by a lone bugler.
THE HAKA... Unifies the performers and enables them to express their feelings of sorrow, anger and frustration at the loss of a fallen comrade. It strengthens the bonds between individuals as brothers and creates a platform to demonstrate this publicly. Members of the armed forces are fiercely protective of their comradeship and the haka is the ultimate form of expressing this to friend or foe. They are referred to by Maori as sons of ”Tumatauenga” – the God of War. Its traditional purpose is to encourage ones “blood to boil” therefore creating a sense of overwhelming power that assists in protecting ones sense of prestige.
His grandfather recited the Ode which you hear at the beginning page."They shall grow not old , as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them"
After they lowered him into the ground we were handed the NZ ensign from Major General Maurice Dodson
The Family Says Their Goodbye's
WHEN I AM GONE
“When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.
I gave you my love,
You can only guess how much,
You gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown.
But now it's time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,
But then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.
And if you listen with your heart,
You'll hear all of my love around you loud and clear.
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
Welcome home.”
Leonard's Epitaph
"Pursue your dream with courage. Prepare your heart with determination"
...anon
Leonard's grave is at the Rangiriri Cemetery on State Highway One, about 14 Kilometers North of Huntly in the Waikato Region, New Zealand.
Please sign Leonards Guest book.
Sign Leonards GuestbookView Leonards Guestbook
More Information about the conflict in East Timor & Leonards Death
New Zealand Herald
New Zealand Army
East Timor News
East Timor Internet Resources
United Nations Information
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