‘Greater love has no-one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,’ John 15:13 (NIV).
This kind of ‘love in action’ was honoured at a special Remembrance Day service at All Souls Anglican Church in Sheffield on Monday.
Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day, is observed as a tribute to members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty during World War 1 and 2.
It is commemorated on November 11 to recall the end of WW1, which formally ended “at the 11th hour”, in accordance with the Armistice.
This is the first year the annual service, previously held at the Umhlali Cemetery, took place at All Souls Church.
“I took the service last year and heard it was meant to be the last one, as the veterans were getting too old to stand throughout the service. We opened All Souls because our church was named in remembrance of those who served. We hope to host it annually,” said All Souls pastor Peter Houston.
Delivering his message Houston said living memory of both world wars is almost non-existent and the onus falls on the current generation to keep the memory alive.
“Those who went forward during the wars did so willingly and most gave their lives. As Jesus said, there is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend. Keep on telling the stories, pass them on and we will never forget.”
During the service the names of Umhlali district soldiers who lost their lives were read out and a minute of silence was observed at 11am, with a beautiful piece played by buglar Bill Herbst.
Herbst and fellow war veteran Pat Adams, who served in the South African Air Force, said Remembrance Day is always emotional for them.
“It is stirring, because it brings back memories of when we served. We can never forget our brothers who gave their lives,” said Herbst.
“We stand with everyone who serves, from our African brothers who served in the DRC to our American brothers in Iraq,” said Adams.