CENTENARY COMMEMORATION

THE Great War of 1914-18 engulfed the whole world, directly or indirectly. The new Union of South Africa was not spared, being embroiled in various theatres of the war from the beginning to the very end.

About 146 000 white men and just under 400 white nurses volunteered for service, in addition to about 45 000 Africans and 15 000 coloureds.

Almost 12 500 South Africans were killed in action or died as a direct consequence of active service.

This conflict was finally brought to an end at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 – 100 years ago.

Durban celebrated, as did cities, towns and villages around the world. We remember those who made the supreme sacrifice, and so we should. No one goes to war to die; those who survived and a grateful nation honour those who never returned to their families. Some were teenagers – still boys – but they had experienced horror few could comprehend.

These commemorative events will be held in Durban tomorrow:

5.30am for 6am at the Cenotaph in Dorothy Nyembe Street: Piping of The Battle’s O’er to remember when the Armistice was signed.

6.30am for 7am at the SS Mendi Memorial, Maritime Museum: Lament for those who died on the Mendi in 1917. 10 for 10.30am at the Cenotaph in Dorothy Nyembe Street: The main civic Service of Remembrance and wreathlaying ceremony to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I. 5.30pm: Veterans muster: corner Samora Machel & Anton Lembede Streets

6pm: Veterans’ Sunset Parade to the Cenotaph in Dorothy Nyembe Street 6.26pm: Lighting the Flame of Hope at the Cenotaph

6.30pm: MOTH (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) Service at the Cenotaph.