The Southern Cross has been incorporated into the design of the New Zealand Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, in the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington. Crosses on the side of the tomb represent the warrior’s fallen companions as well as the stars in the sky. The four bright stars of the Southern Cross, which guided the warrior back to New Zealand, are represented by the inlaid crosses on the bronze lid. This photograph was taken at the laying to rest ceremony.
Listen to Nigel Williams singing ‘The boys of the Southern Cross’, a popular song of New Zealand soldiers during the South African War.
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Manatū Taonga – Ministry for Culture and Heritage
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