Tomb of the Unknown Warrior (New Zealand) facts for kids
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is a special memorial in Wellington, New Zealand. It is part of the New Zealand National War Memorial. This tomb holds the remains of an unknown New Zealand soldier.
This soldier was brought home on November 6, 2004. His remains were found at the Caterpillar Valley Cemetery in France. He represents more than 18,000 New Zealand soldiers. These brave people lost their lives during the First World War. A special headstone still marks his first resting place in France.
Bringing the Warrior Home
On November 6, 2004, a special ceremony took place in France. The remains of the unknown soldier were given to a New Zealand group. They were placed in a copper coffin, then into a rimu wood coffin. This wooden coffin was brought all the way from New Zealand.
The head of the New Zealand Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson, spoke at the ceremony. He promised the Warrior that New Zealand would always remember him. He said the Warrior would be a guardian for all soldiers who died serving their country.
The Warrior arrived in New Zealand on November 10, 2004. About 10,000 people came to Parliament Buildings to pay their respects.
The Final Journey
The Warrior was laid to rest on November 11, 2004. This date is also known as Armistice Day. It marks the end of World War I. A service was held at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral.
After the service, a slow march took place through Wellington's streets. About 100,000 people watched the procession. The Warrior's tomb was sealed at 3:59 PM. A bronze plaque was placed on it. It reads:
An Unknown New Zealand Warrior
He Toa Matangaro No Aotearoa
The unknown soldier is one of over 1,500 New Zealanders who died in the Somme region of France. Many of them, 1,272, were never identified. They are buried in unmarked graves or remembered on memorial walls. Experts believe the remains include a full skeleton. Other items found with him confirmed he was a New Zealander.
Special Awards
The Unknown Warrior received several important awards. These medals honor his service:
- 1914–15 Star: For service between August 1914 and December 1915.
- British War Medal: For service during World War I until 1920.
- Victory Medal.
- 1939–1945 Star: For service during World War II.
- New Zealand Operational Service Medal.
The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association also gave him their Badge in Gold. This was the first time it was given to someone after their death. David Cox, a veteran from World War II, presented the award. He said:
The Badge in Gold is a fitting tribute because the Unknown Warrior paid the ultimate price for his service and now he is finally returned. You are now one of us — welcome home.
Leaders from different parts of New Zealand placed soil into the Tomb. This soil came from their districts. It honored service members from those areas who died for their country. Soil from the farm of famous soldier Charles Upham was also added. The French Ambassador, Jean-Michel Marlaud, provided soil from Caterpillar Valley Cemetery.
See also
In Spanish: Tumba del soldado desconocido (Nueva Zelanda) para niños
