WATCH | Pro Patria Parade in Barberton honours fallen soldiers
The parade is held annually on the second Saturday of February in remembrance of the soldiers who died in the service of South Africa.
Fallen soldiers heroes were honoured at the annual Pro Patria Parade in the Garden of Remembrance in Barberton on February 8.
The parade is held every year on the second Saturday of February, to remember the soldiers who died during the South African Border War, as well as the fallen soldiers from other wars.
Rev Erina Alkema opened with prayer and a short message, and the crowd observed a moment of silence, remembering the SANDF soldiers who were recently killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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During the event, Bruce Robson was honoured with the general service medal for outstanding service to the military.
Wreaths were laid by members from all the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) districts in the Lowveld, while the Stevenson-Hamilton Pipe Band played.
The Lowveld MOTHs’ district organiser, Clarence Hobbs, thanked everyone who attended and encouraged the public to always support this event.
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During WWII, 334 00 men volunteered for full-time service in the South African Army; 211 000 white, 77 000 black and 46 000 coloured and Indian servicemen. More than 21 000 white South African women served in the Women’s Auxiliary Defence Corps (WADC) during WW II. The WADC served as auxiliaries to the South African Air Force, Army and Naval Service.
In 2025, more than 61 000 WWII veterans were still alive, according to VA Open Data. The median age of these veterans was 98.
@lowvelder Lowvelder is at the Pro Patria Parade in the Garden of Remembrace in Barberton today, February 8. Committee members are welcome to attend. #rememberanceday #rememberance #mbombela #nelspruit #mpumalanga
