Various institutions observe Remembrance Day on November 11 each year to honour the brave men and women who gave their lives during the world wars.

On November 8, the Lee Enfield Rifle Association (LERA) hosted its own Remembrance, also known as Poppy Day, at the Rooikraal Shooting Range outside Heidelberg.

The parade began with the firing of two cannons, a ½-pounder named Klein Boet and a 4-pounder named Nakita.

The ceremony featured contributions from several groups, including the Benoni High School Pipe Band, Scouts SA, MOTHs, the SA Legion, and LERA. Malcolm Engels led the opening proceedings.

During the ceremony, attendees were reminded of the immense price the soldiers paid in the fight for freedom.

The keynote address focused on the bagpipers and the vital role they played during World Wars I and II.

Malcolm Engels spoke about the courage of the bagpipers, explaining that they were constantly in the firing line, yet continued to play from the heart as they led troops into battle time and again.

“The Remembrance parades are not just part of our history; they allow today’s youth to take part and remember the sacrifices made by friends, family, and fellow citizens. Our heritage must be preserved and passed on to future generations,” said Engels.

The ceremony also featured a flyover by two Tiger Moth aeroplanes and a gun salute performed with Lee Enfield rifles dating from the Anglo-Boer War up to World War II.

Jeremy Fabian from the SAPS Band performed The Last Post, followed by stirring music from the Benoni High School Pipe Band.

As the parade drew to a close, two Alouette helicopters flew over the range as the cannons fired once more to signal the end of the ceremony.

Afterwards, attendees could try their hand at shooting, experiencing the Lee Enfield rifle first-hand.

“It was an amazing day, and my Scouts want to be involved in more events like this in the future. We aim to leave a legacy,” said Megan Piller Scout Troop Leader for Scouts SA.