Lest we forget the fallen
Remembrance Sunday ceremony honours war sacrifices
WAR veterans, compatriots, friends and family members of those who lost their lives in conflicts ranging from World War 1 to the South African liberation struggle, came together to honour their sacrifices yesterday.
A large group gathered for Remembrance Sunday’s poignant ceremony held at the Oxford Street War Memorial in East London.
The event is traditionally held on the first weekend after Remembrance Day on November 11.
Remembrance Day is observed in many countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918.
Hostilities formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”, in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Allied Powers.
Those in attendance yesterday also remembered the lives lost in ongoing wars and the victims of the most recent terrorist at- tacks in Paris and Kenya.
The service, which saw two aircraft fly overhead for the first time in the event’s history, was organised by Buffalo City Metro (BCM) together with the Buffalo Volunteer Rifles.
The service started with the fly-past by the two aircraft at exactly 11am.
A parade by a platoon of troops, led by the Caledonian Pipe Band, and officers dressed in full military regalia, then took place.
Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Cock requested dignitaries to remember those who had lost their lives in the Paris attacks on Friday.
“The attacks in Paris was an absolute destruction of human lives; it was totally unnecessary and unwanted,” Cock said.
The Reverend Billy Barnes thanked the organisers of the event, saying people often forgot about the trauma that wars caused and the grief of families left behind.
“Those we honour here today did not wish to die but their love for their country prompted them to lay down their lives for what they believed was right and good.”
The Selborne College Band provided accompaniment for hymns such as O God Our Help in Ages Past and Abide with Me.
The dignitaries and families, including BCM mayor Alfred Mtsi, laid wreaths to honour those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“We must commit to the need to end all wars, because war is not a relevant solution to the troubles of this world,” Mtsi said.
“We would also like to express a word of condolence to the victims of the ongoing wars in places such as Kenya, Afghanistan, Syria and Paris,” the mayor said.
Regimental Sergeant Major Butler van de Vyver, who fought in World War 2, said the service was very special to him.
“I remember the members from my unit who did not make it and I think of all the war members all over the world who did not make it,” the 94-year-old Van de Vyver said.
The service ended with the national anthem played by the Selborne College Band. —