‘Grateful for the time of silence’

The silence observed by attendees at this year's Remembrance Day Parade hosted by the MOTHS of the Blaize Away Shellhole Mossel Bay, was the catalyst to powerful messages delivered.

Councillor Anton Dellemijn, formerly a member of the South African Airforce, reminded all present that the parade on Sunday, 10 November, was non-political and in memory of the immense sacrifice of all soldiers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

"Today, we commemorate that moment when the guns were silenced."

A highlight at the parade this year was the firing of two quarter pounder cannons. The first cannon was fired at 11:00 and the other, after two minutes of silence was observed. The firing of the cannons drew much attention from passersby, who flocked to the Cenotaph at the Point to view the rest of the ceremony. "I am grateful for the quiet time, since it brought back many memories, memories that made me emotional," said Reverend Peter Holden. He recounted memories of his father's involvement in war and also his sons' time in the military.

"We need quiet time to remember what others did in order for us to have freedom. Due to the pressures of today, we don't pause to remember." He said that in this time of remembrance, we should ask ourselves if we wanted more war and more killing. He implored those present to remember God.

"Mankind often finds itself in disagreement and this leads to a downward spiral of conflict. When we forget God, there is no hope for mankind. I'd say that, even if I weren't a minister."

Reverend Holden said that serving God altered man's heart. "It leads to a life of humility and serving. We have to learn to be still and have our memories." He closed by reading from Psalm 46 and thanked the MOTHS "for making us pause to think that there exists a better world, thanks to those who died for it".

The parade was attended by the TS Outeniqua Sea Cadets, military veterans, Mossel Bay Scouts, NSRI and others serving in uniform, as well as civilians.