Branches Book

BRANCHES

and we’re lucky enough to have those letters today. He was part of the founding of New Zealand, the land I was born, and I’m proud of him. In his honor, I have organized his letters into a narrative that tells the tale of the most harrowing time of his life. New Zealand has a proud history that is integral to how the world developed. Its role on the world stage begins in 1914 with the assassination of the Archduke of Hungary. Many young New Zealanders, including my great- grandfather, were eager to see the world and fight for Mother England and the British Empire. Many would never return. These were the forgotten heroes of the forgotten war. History has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and learning about New Zealand’s contribution to the free world has always filled me with pride. I believe that knowing your history is important, and sharing it with others is a responsibility. I decided the best way to tell my country’s story is through the lens of my great-grandfather’s life. Hopefully this’ll make the past a little less distant for us in the lightning fast 21st Century. Thank you for reading.

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