Parade pays respect to fallen heroes

“We remember their sacrifice, their courage, their terror and yet their determination.”

These were the words spoken by Rob Beech, Old Bill of the Cosy Corner Moth Shellhole, during the Remembrance Day Parade on Sunday.

The parade saw veterans, current serving military members and civilians gather at the shellhole in Brenthurst to honour the service and sacrifice of the armed forces, veterans, and their families.

Every year, in November, people all over the world pause to remember those who died in wars and conflicts.

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11, or on the nearest Sunday to the date, to recall the end of the First World War.

The major hostilities of this war formally ended in the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918.

Remembrance Day is also known as Poppy Day because of the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy.

Throughout the history of war in Europe and Asia, the phenomenon of poppies growing in places where battles had raged and where the soil was disturbed, occurred frequently.

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Blood red poppies grew in place of the more common white specimens, as if nature was protesting against the bloodshed of war.

The appearance of these flowers in areas of battle had an impact on soldiers, reminding them of their fallen comrades.

“Those who returned had one thing in common – they were changed forever, and yet just a little more than 20 years after the “War to end all Wars”, the world was at war again, creating even greater human casualty and suffering,” said Beech during his address.

“There is a sign at Auschwitz that boldly states ‘Never Again’. While that sign may refer to what specifically went on there, I believe it was on the hearts and in the minds of those who experienced these global conflicts – to never do it again.

“There are very many exciting and beautiful examples in soldiering. Those who have been there will attest to the camaraderie, the brotherhood.

“It’s what binds soldiers, it’s what they rely on in the heat of battle, and what they depend on after the war is over and to heal their tortured souls.

“Someone famous once said, “In war there are no unwounded soldiers.”

Many would not understand that, yet those who have been there, certainly do.

“In the light of this shellhole, we gather to remember and heal.”

The parade and service were held indoors due to inclement weather. The programme also included a scripture reading, observing two minutes of silence, and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Rees Davies from the SA Legion was the parade bugler and performed the Last Post and Reveille.

Gratitude was extended to all who contributed to the service, to the ex-servicemen and women, as well as current serving military members, for participating in the parade, to the SA Legion, the East Rand District Dugout, and all other shellholes and Mothwa for their attendance.

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