Fallen soldiers remembered

Benoni, BCT, City Times, Remembrance day, November, soldiers, wars, silence

November 11, 2021

Terry-Ann Diergaardt 1 minute read

Remembering the service animals in the wars are Sias de Kock (left), Eugene Cilliers, Optimus and Martin Bann.

In all wars, men prepared themselves to fight with the knowledge that they might not return to their families and on November 7, they were remembered for their sacrifice.

Member of the local Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHs) hosted the 103rd Remembrance Day Parade combined with the annual War Commemoration Service at the MOTH Reveille Cenotaph.

Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, commemorates those who lost their lives and celebrates those who survived World War I, World War II and the Korean War. It is celebrated annually on the Sunday closest to November 11, at 11:00, across the former British Empire.

The day is marked by two minutes of silence, observed every year since 1919, the first anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of the Great War (World War I).

The first minute of silence commemorates those who fought and came back home and the second pays homage to the fallen soldiers.

Moth Graham Denholm said that we should work for the betterment of others and keep alive the memory of all who made a priceless sacrifice, while we learn from the mistakes of the past and realise that war is insane.

Military and police service dogs were remembered for their contribution in the wars as well as the service animals currently serving. The purple poppy is used to honour and remember the animals that have served during wartime.

Eugene Cilliers, who was part of the South African Defence Force Dog Unit from 1966 to 1989, highlighted the contribution of dogs in the war.

“They saved lives and made selfless sacrifices during the war. The importance of these animals should not be forgotten as they also received service numbers and they are heroes,” he said.

Wreaths were laid at the Wall of Remembrance, stones were piled up as symbols of commemoration for fallen soldiers and a chair was placed in front of the wall to pay homage to the unknown soldiers who died.

All military representatives, guests and visitors were thanked for their attendance and their contribution in honouring those who fell for South Africa.