Moth Memorial opens to honour the fallen
The memorial site has finally been restored after years of neglect.
Sunday marked the official opening of the Moth Memorial in Geduld.
The event was marked by the presence of Moths, representatives of supporting organisations, sponsors and the community.
The programme had speakers, which included Pastor Jonathan Coates of the Geduld Methodist Church. He reminded everyone about the sacrifice of fulfilling your purpose.
“We are called to go not just where we are needed but to where we are meant to go,” he said.
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He spoke highly of those who understood the gravity of going to fight even when they knew the risks.
“They go knowing they might die; knowing they might not come back the same,” concluded Pastor Jonathan.
Tony da Cruz in his speech touched on the historical importance of these forgotten sites.
“These memorials were beautiful and we have forgotten them in the new South Africa,” he said.
He says historical sites are an ode to our forefathers, and we should do all we can to preserve them.
“This space is a tribute to those who died and paid the ultimate price during the First World War,” added Tony.
He spoke highly of the sponsors and new custodians of the place, Savvy Brokers.
“We came to this dilapidated space and I showed them pictures of how it used to be. They could not believe how beautiful the memorial used to be,” he said.
He added how, upon agreeing to take care of the place, they got together and started restoring the site.
Tony also mentioned Bob Gilles, whose efforts were instrumental in restoring the reflection pond.
He said the secret to a successful project is not in its restoration but in maintaining it once it has been restored.
“You need people prepared to believe in the project. Without the right people, the project will not be sustainable,” declared Tony.
The Springs Boys High School band played the last post, followed by two minutes of silence.
The ceremony ended with wreaths laid at the cenotaph and everyone stood for the national anthem.
Tony extended his gratitude to the following sponsors:
Savvy Brokers, Prosafe Security, Elco Steel, Chanmel Gardens, Homenet Properties, Mica Benoni, Excelsior Paints SA, Granite Art, The Green Factory, IR Renovations, Harchris Heat Treatment, RMN Plant Hire, Bob Gilles, Ekurhuleni Metro Flag, Stylish Plants Brakpan Garden Centre, Springs Garden Centre, JR Mackays Engineering, Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck, D&W Plumbing and Building, Ingwe Plastic Pipe Manufacturers, Ezeblast Sandblasting, Coverall Hardware Brakpan and Springs, Fun Things Digital, Wessel Jansen van Rensburg Garden Services and the Moth Shellhole Windy Corner.
