Armistice Day – A century later, ‘remember them’

Local history enthusiast, André van Ellinckhuyzen’s delves into the events that transpired in the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, 1918… Armistice Day.

What is an armistice, you may wonder… An armistice is basically an agreement between two warring parties to stop fighting.

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The armistice in question refers specifically to the day that ended World War 1 on November 11, 1918 and this year marks the centenary of that historical agreement. “The signing of the Armistice of November 11, 1918 was the Armistice that ended fighting on land, sea and air in the “Great War” between the Allies and their opponent, Germany,” writes André van Ellinckhuyzen. “Also known as the “Armistice of Compiegne”, from the name of the forest in France where it was signed, in a railway carriage. Victory for the Allies! Defeat for Germany, but not a formal surrender. Fifty-two months of bloody conflict came to an end…”

“The “Great War” Memorial at the St Peter’s Parish in Vryheid, was erected in 1931, 87 years ago, and it later also became a dedication to those who fell during World War II, the Korean War and the South African Border War. The Cenotaph was officially unveiled on November 11, 1931, on Armistice Day.”

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“On the war memorial, here in Vryheid, are the names of officers, soldiers, air force pilots and police officers who, in their last moment gave their all,” concludes Van Ellinckhuyzen. “Please join a parade, lay down a wreath for your loved ones, and just for a moment, remember them…”

How will you be spending Sunday, November 11? Share your Armistice Day commemorations with the Vryheid Herald and the community by emailing us at editorialvhd@caxton.co.za.