Gone, but not forgotten
A day that is commemorated across all the Commonwealth member states, Remembrance Sunday, made its turn in Knysna once again on Sunday 10 November, honouring the lives of those who died in battle after World War I.
While Remembrance Day is observed annually on 11 November, Remembrance Sunday always takes place at 11:00 on the second Sunday of November, the nearest Sunday to 11 November. This year the day fell on Sunday 10 November, and Knysna was once again the scene of a commemoration parade and and memorial service.
The ceremony – attended by a vast array of delegates and dignitaries
– included the singing of several hymns, moments of silence, and prayers led by a chaplain, and of course parades up and down Knysna’s main road, which had been shut off between 09:30 and 12:00 for the parade.
At 11:00, two minutes of silence began, after which the flags were raised and the Moth Creed was read out by Andy da Silva. After this the wreaths and flowers were laid at the base of the monument in Memorial Square by a number of organisations and individuals.
Once all protocol had been observed around the monument, the parade began with the Moths and Knysna & Districts Pipe Band leading the way with the St James Brigade Band behind, followed by the Knysna Sea Cadets, and lastly the Knysna fire department. The parades ended with the St James Brigade Band and those behind signing off at Gray Street.