Learners pay their respects to fallen men and women in blue
It is hoped the afternoon will inspire learners to join the soon-to-be-formed youth desk.
The annual Gauteng Provincial Commemoration Day takes place at the Linden Police Station where the memorial wall for the province is situated. This year, 10 members will be honoured for having paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. The commemoration will held on September 11.
In preparation for this important occasion, learners from King School, Pinnacle College and Hoërskool Linden and Randburg donated plants to the station to assist with beautifying the gardens and to learn more about what the police do in communities.
The ‘planting roots’ ceremony took place as a token of respect for fallen members and as a symbolic gesture in cementing the bonds between schools and the youth in the Linden precinct.
Station Commander Colonel Shaid Abdool said, “The youth in the precinct are the leaders for tomorrow and what better place to start fostering a connected and responsible community-conscious society than at the station.”
Linden CPF chair Annelize Tichauer spoke passionately about the launch of their youth desk and hopes events like this will foster support for this important body. “Several of the learners were amazed when they understood the sacrifice our police men and women are prepared to make when they put on their uniforms each day. It really hit home when they realised all of the names on the marble slabs were from members like ours who died while doing their work to keep communities safe.”
Lauren Johnson from Pinnacle College said, “It was such an insightful day and amazing to be part of something so big in acknowledging those who have paid the price while fighting for us. It is so important to learn about the work the police do and better understand the kinds of things they face.”
Tichauer said, with spring arriving, many people are busy splitting and replanting their gardens. “We ask for any split plants, donations of compost and equipment to be brought to the station rather than sent to the dump so we can continue to improve the station.”
