Just a poppy in Flanders’ fields
Veteran soldiers from accross the globe remember the terrible hardships of war and its affects every year on the day of the Poppy.
NELSPRUIT – “To remember is a gift and a privilege.” Armistice Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who died in the line of duty. This day is symbolized by the wearing of a bright red poppy which represents not just the fallen, but also the serves as a reminder of the horror of war and the terrible affects it often has on the innocents. The poppy was derived from the moving poem by John McCrae entitled “In Flanders Field”. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders, in Belgium, during World War I and their brilliant red colour forms an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled during the war.
Remembrance Day is observed each year on 11 November to recall the end of the hostilities of World War I on this date in 1918. Fighting stopped “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” in accordance with the Armistice which was signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente. The war, however, officially ended with the signing of the historically significant Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
The two largest commemoration ceremonies to mark the event in South Africa are held in Pretoria, at the Voortrekker Monument where it has been held for 84 consecutive years, and at the War Memorial at the Union Buildings. In addition, the South African MOTHS hold street collections to gather funds to assist in welfare work among military veterans.
This past week, the Nelspruit division of the MOTHS held their memorial parade despite the rain, at their local shellhole. There were many that fought for their country in some of the nations most significant wars including the second world war and the more recent border war.
A bugler played the “Last Post” as the veterans lined up to salute their fallen comrades from the years gone past. The Scottish pipe band provided some traditional celtic flair to the event as one by one, members of the region’s shellholes stepped up to pay their respects at the memorial by laying a wreath in remembrance.
The service ended with the members reciting “When you go home – tell them of us, and say “For your tomorrow, we gave our today”. Their gift was great, but you must give
a greater to complete the plan, they died, now you must nobly live, to make man brother unto man.”
The MOTH revolves around the three ideals of True Comradeship, Mutual Help and Sound Memory – true to their oath, each year they will at sunrise and sunset, remember them.
