Fallen remembered at Wayside Cross
Friends, families and colleagues gathered in the Pinetown Library Garden of Remembrance to pay respect to their loved ones.
MORE than 250 people assembled in the Pinetown Library Garden of Remembrance on Sunday to pay tribute to the local men and women who died in two World Wars, the border war or who perished in crime and disaster related incidents.
The parade was hosted by the Wayside Memorial Committee in conjunction with Better ‘Ole Shellhole and Umvoti Mounted Rifles to pay respect to all those who died in serving South Africa while in the line of duty in war and peace time.
The flame of remembrance was lit by Corporal Warren Burgees of 3 Parachute Battalion, while UMR RSM Regimental Sergeant-major John Morrison lit the armour flame. The parade was conducted by ex-UMR regimental sergeant-major Charles Wilson.
There was a sense of respect and dignity, mixed with melancholy, at the parade as grown men in uniform grew emotional and many shed tears as history was recalled, and friends, heroes and enemies were remembered.
November is Armistice month around the world. Those who made the supreme sacrifice in the fields of combat and duty are remembered for their gallantry and service.
While doing the MOTH Poppy collection last year Malcolm met Mrs Virginia Lewis when she made a generous donation in memory of her late son, Greg Scott who died in combat on 27 July 1988. MOTH Malcolm Wight – who lost six friends in the border war – realised that Greg had accidentally been omitted from the Pinetown plaque and made this mission his cause. He arranged for a new stone which was generously donated and inscribed by Pinetown Stone Industries.
Mr Wright, who knew Greg both from his school days and later during his military service, said he’d been amazed to discover that his friend’s name was not on the Wayside Cross and thus began his crusade to have Greg’s name inscribed on the plaque.
The position of the Wayside Cross is under threat because of the new bus service development. The Wayside Cross Committee is inviting suggestions from Pinetown ratepayers and communities for a new position for this iconic historical monument.
The monument is maintained with public donations only.
