Homepage Graphics

Graphic 1

Graphic 2

The graphics, from the cover page of this Blog, represent four (4) photos that have been merged and colored, to incorporate specific aspects of the sacrifice Richard Hohepa Heperi (Grandpa) and his mate, Peter ‘Pona' Te Whata made in WW1.  Both Grandpa and Pona served on the Western Front (see 2nd graphic).  It is hoped that the symbolism of each of the following photos will prompt thinking about the complexities and costs of waTr.

Lightning
(Photo 1)

http://images.search.yahoo.com

Originating from above, lightning symbolizes the existence of One who is greater than man.  As the lightning makes contact with the earth, it dissipates with tremendous power, fury, and chaos. War shares some of the same charateristics.  However, unlike lightning, the power associated with war does not quickly dissipate.  Instead, it builds with a steadily increasing ferocity, eventually coming to a boiling point via cunning men and carefully placed propaganda.  Sustained by momentary power, egotistic leaders begin using resources, as if they had no end.  In response, others are forced to defend themselves, their rights, and their freedoms from the oppressors.  Then, with the most precious of all resources-- Man-- the War of Attrition begins, and he who has the most soldiers, left standing, wins!  

The Cobber's

(Photo 2)

The Cobber's

http://www.webmatters.net/france/ww1_fromelles.htm  

 

The graphic of a soldier carrying his wounded mate, is a stylized version of a modern memorial that was established to mark the burial site of 250 Australian soldiers (ANZAC) who fought in WW1.  The original grave site was created by the German’s at Pheasant Wood, during WW1.  Archaeologists began uncovering the mass grave in 1998.  The remains of the soldiers were then, relocated and buried in the village of Fromelles, France.  The story behind “The Cobber’s” memorial is eerily similar to Grandpa’s experience with his mate, Pona.  The statue depicts: 

Sergeant Simon Fraser of the 57^th Battalion AIF… the Allied Command had refused to enter into any negotiations to bring in the dead and wounded. Over the next three days survivors of the 5th Division went out into no-man’s land to retrieve their comrades.  Whilst he was out on the battle field Fraser heard a wounded man shout out, “Don't forget me, cobber.”

Fraser returned to pick the soldier up on his next trip into No-Man’s Land.  He was promoted for his bravery.  Tragically, the following year, he was killed.  Unfortunately, Fraser’s body was never recovered.

The Cross
(Photo 3)

 

Maple Leaf Cemetery, Belgium

http://www.ww1cemeteries.com/ww1cemeteries/mapleleafcemetery.htm

The Cross is a simple rendition of the memorial Cross found at the Maple Leaf Cemetery in Belgium.  This is the cemetery where Peter ‘Pona’ Te Whata was laid to rest.  After Grandpa retrieved Pona from No-Man’s Land, he delivered him to the No. 3 New Zealand Field Ambulance.  Shortly, thereafter, Pona died from the serious wounds he sustained on the battlefield.  The Maple Leaf Cross is included, as a memorial to Peter ‘Pona’ Te Whata, and all of his “Cobber's” who were lost in the war.

The Poppy

(Photo 4)

The "Flanders" Poppy

http://images.search.yahoo.com

The poppy is a universal symbol, memorializing all who gave their lives, for the freedoms we now enjoy.  The red poppy was, reportedly, the first flower to bloom out of the muddy fields of Flanders, following the war.  Much like a foil (e.g. the black, velvet backing that provides contrast for diamonds or gold, on display in a jewelery store), the bright red poppy contrasted the terrible destruction and disgusting aftermath of war.  Also symbolic of the blood spilled on both sides of the line, the flowering of the "Flanders" poppy provides hope for a peaceful tomorrow.

ANZAC Day Memorial
http://images.search.yahoo.com

The following poem, In Flanders fields was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.  He scribbled the poem down, soon after burying a friend after the 2nd Battle of Ypres.  Prompted by the death of his mate, and upon seeing a group of poppies, gently waving in the breeze at the cemetery, he wrote the following:    

In Flanders fields
 In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Three years, after writing the poem, McCrae died in the war.  His final words were,  

"Tell them this, if ye break faith 

 with us who die, we shall not sleep."   

This Blog is a personal effort to "not break the faith" with those who have gone before.  It has been designed to both memorialize and honor.  By remembering and understanding the tremendous sacrifices that were made, we show gratitude.  By applying the principles taught by those who sacrificed, we honor them.  By remembering and honoring, we allow those who died to truly "sleep" in peace.