Remembering fallen heroes

On Sunday 12 November a remembrance day was held at Memorial Square in Main Road, Knysna to commemorate the fallen heroes of days gone past.

The Knysna Albatross Shellhole Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) along with the Knysna Sea Cadets, numerous officials including mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, and residents of Knysna came together to remember the men and women who came from Knysna and then went on to lose their lives in one of the many wars that have plagued the world.

These wars include the First and Second World Wars and the Border War.

The MOTH creed was recited followed by the reading of all the names of the fallen who came from Knysna, after which numerous wreaths were laid in front of Knysna’s war memorial that stands in the centre of Memorial Square.

To end off the ceremony all MOTH members in attendance as well as the Knysna Sea Cadets marched down a closed section of Main Road.

According to the Old Bill of the Knysna MOTHS Marc Yoko, the attendance on the day was good and all in all it was an “excellent experience”.

“This day is important for a few reasons. The most important is that we remember those who have fallen in the line of duty and have sacrificed themselves for their country. We cannot forget what they have done. Secondly, we need to keep this remembrance alive so that we do not make the same mistakes as in the past,” he said. – Stefan Goosen

* Knysna’s War Memorial lists the names of Knysna’s fallen of two World Wars and the Border War. Author Ian Uys has compiled a roster of their biographies which is available at the public library. He appeals to anyone with information about or photographs of these men to please contact him at 044 382 6805 as the Roll of Honour is incomplete without their photographs.

Photo: Stefan Goosen The Knysna Albatross Shellhole Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) line up for the parade.

Photo: Stefan Goosen Standing to attention in memory of fallen heroes.

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