GOVERNOR GENERAL SIR JERRY MATEPARAE HONORS FALLEN SOLDIERS FOR LOYALTY & SACRIFICE IN AFGHANISTAN

At a military service today in Burnham Christchurch, Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae stood before the family, military, friends of two fallen New Zealand soldiers.

Lance Corporals Pralli Durrer and Rory Malone, both 26, lost their lives when their patrols went to the aid of ambushed Afghan police in Bamiyan province last Saturday. A further six New Zealand soldiers were also wounded in the Taleban attack. A United States Air Force C-17 aircraft returned their bodies to Burnham on Thursday night.

Deputy Prime Minister, Bill English, attended as the PM, John Key, was visiting the USA watching his son, Max, play in The World Series Baseball tournament. Other dignitaries also attended to show solidarity, the New Zealand Herald reported.

After an opening church service address, TVNZ reported: Sir Jerry paid tribute to the soldiers “loyal and honourable” service.

Both soldiers will have private funerals with their respective families.

~Posted by Horiwoodblog, Aotearoa New Zealand, Polynesia Asia-Pacific. 11.8.12~