Dignified parades to remember war dead

Sunday November 11 2018 at 11am marked the centenary of the end of World War 1 – the so-called Great War.

This was celebrated in a dignified way on Sunday at the Walmer Cenotaph by a parade of fitting military precision. It was the best attended ever, by those on parade, and spectators [in my memory].

Forty-four wreaths were laid, initiated by mayor Mongameli Bobani, and followed by countless veterans’ organisations, schools and individual wreath layers.

This was then followed by a well-attended social gathering at the Walmer Town Hall, hosted by the metro.

The devotions were done in a dignified fashion by the St Mary’s Cathedral provost, the Very Reverend Sharon Nell, followed by a heart-stopping speech by Declan Brennan.

The Sunday activities were followed by a well-attended parade at Grey High School on Monday, with the new rector, Chris Erasmus, leading the ceremony with great aplomb.

This was followed by a luncheon for invited dignitaries at which war stories and poetry related to armed conflict were recited.

Overall both parades were of a high standard and relevant in celebrating the centenary of such a global conflict – supposedly the war to end all wars! Col (retired) Ralph van Niekerk

Port Elizabeth

WERNER HILLS PROUDLY MARCHING: Moths march into position at the joint remembrance parade the organisation and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality held on Sunday, which was Remembrance Day, in Walmer. A wreath-laying ceremony also took placePicture: