On 4 October 2017, a centenary remembrance ceremony, on occasion of the Battle of Broodseinde, took place at Nine Elms Cemetery at Poperinge where 117 NZL soldiers are resting amongst others, amongst them Sgt. David Gallaher the famous captain of the NZL rugby teem.
Later that day a similar ceremony took place at the New Zealand Memorial at 's Graventafel (Passendale)
Here an impression of the ceremony at Nine Elms Cemetery, a cemetery
NL: 
Op 4 oktober 2017 vond een ceremonie plaats tgv de eeuwherdenking van de Slag bij Broodseinde. Deze plechtigheid vond plaats op Nine Elms Cemetery in Poperinge waar ook 117 Nieuw Zeelanse soldaten rusten, onder hen Sgt. David Gallaher, de bekende kapitein van het NZL rugby team. Later die dag vond en 2e plechtigheid plaats bij het NZL Memorial bij 's Graventafel (Passendale)


people gathering at Nine Elms Cemetery

standard bearers 



colour party rehearsing, having to deal with strong wind

the New Zealand Defence Force Maori Cultural Group who performed beautifully (as always)

arrival of the NZL ambassdor HE M. Gregory Andrews

colour party marches in





Master of ceremony, Capt. Shaun Fogerty welcomes and addresses the people present

Opening prayer by Chaplain Hamish Kirk

address by M. Gregory Andrews, NZL ambassador to Belgiu



NZL soldiers attending

the New Zealand Defence Forde Maori Cultural Group performing "Waiata-Whakaaria mai"

address by Ms. Loes Vandromme, alderman of Poperinge



a view of Nine Elms Cemetery



The New Zealdn Veterans Band performing at the ceremony

address "Our sporting sacrifice" by Mr. Karl French recalling the story
of Sgt. David Gallaher, the famous NZL rugby team captain of Irish
origin who is bruied at this cemetery



Mr. Jeremy Worth recites the tribute poem "Gallaher"



 
New Zealand Veterans Band

Tracey McRory performs "From Donegal to Passchendaele" 
a tribute to Sgt. David Gallaher, at his grave.

the grave of Sgt. David Gallaher, one of the 117 New Zealanders buried at this cemetery

"The Fallen", tribute read by youth of Ireland, New Zealand and the Uk,
with the placing of a poppy cross remembering those fallen





wreath laying by HE Mr. Gregory Andrews, NZL Ambassador to Belgium

wreath laying by Alderman Loes Vandromme, town of Popering



Wreath laying by different NZL and other officials and organisations







The Ode of Remembrance recited in Maori by Warrant Officer Te Kani Te Wiata

The ode  recited in English by a memeber of the NZL Veterans Band

Flags lowered in tribute during Last Post and Anthems




Closing prayer and benediction by Chaplain Kirk



colour party leaves and is greeted by the officials

the standards bearers of the national flags after having to fight
the very strong wind for over an hour ! reallynot an easy job to do



after the ceremony ...

some time to reflect



Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou 
We will Remember Them


after this ceremony, a NZL centenary ceremony took place at
the NZL Memorial at s' Graventafel (Passendale). A report on this 
can be found on this website too.

page made by / pagina aangemaakt door : Frank Mahieu