The Cosy Corner Moths’ Old Bill, Rob Beech, led the annual Remembrance Day parade for the final time as he bid farewell to the local shellhole.

The parade took place at Cosy Corner on November 9 in mild weather. Following the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, attendees exchanged their uniforms and suits for something more comfortable and enjoyed a relaxed boerewors roll lunch together.

“We stand together today, not just as a crowd, but as a community connected by memory. This time of year, November 11, brings us to a solemn pause. The noise of our busy lives fades for a moment, and we listen for the silence of remembrance,” Beech said.

“We mark the anniversary of the moment, 108 years ago, when an armistice was signed ending what was then called the war to end all wars. That great global conflict, the First World War, finally ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

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.

It 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.

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.

Sunday’s proceedings opened with a welcoming and invocation, followed by the first scripture reading from Joshua 1:9. The hymn Abide With Me was then sung, and Wisdom 3:1–9 was read.

The tribute began with the Moths and uniformed members saluting, followed by the Last Post, the dropping of the salute, two minutes of silence, and Reveille, which was performed by Musa Zwani from Springs Boys High School.

Beech then delivered his address, after which the wreath-laying, Act of Remembrance, and singing of the national anthem took place.

A highlight of the day was a special surprise arranged by Beech. Three helicopters flew over Cosy Corner, circled back, and passed overhead twice more.

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“Everyone from the other shellholes came to say how much they enjoyed it,” Beech said.

The parade was attended by loved ones of the Moths and uniformed members, as well as several Sea Cadets from the Training Ship Springs.

Who will take over from Beech as the new Old Bill, after more than a decade of service, will be decided at a future meeting.

The Moths meet at 19:00 on the second Thursday of each month at Cosy Corner.

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