Heartfelt words from a soldier to his mother separated by ten thousand miles, the panel translate a letter written by Ben Rata in 1942.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

There's nothing like being transported to a place in time through movies, literature or in this episode a simple letter from a son to his mother. In an online article 'Ben Rata Writes Home' this week the panelists Kimo, Anaha and Hana unravel the heartfelt story where Ben describes the foreign lands of Baalbek while serving in WW2 in Syria, 1942.

Inspired by Ben's love of family, friends and wonderment of the middle east the hosts transport us to a time of courage and separation. Immerse yourself in this episode as they honor the legacy of service and aroha, reimagining history's words in the warmth of Te Reo Māori.

Get a printable version of the translations here.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details