THE community, MOTHS and MVO’s are invited to attend the Wayside Cross Yearly Remembrance Ceremony at the Pinetown Library Gardens on Sunday, 6 November at 2pm for 2.30pm.
The Wayside Cross was erected in 1928 by members of the community in remembrance. It is a unique ceremony world-wide held to pay tribute to members of all uniformed services and the public of eThekwini.
“The inspiration for an all-services ceremony was to highlight the fact that it’s not just military personnel who suffer casualties. Members of all services are at the forefront fighting crime, violence, poverty and the effects of disasters. The ceremony is current, relevant and of value to emerging leadership while simultaneously, it is a showcase for each service. The occasion also encourages the public to pay tribute to victims of crime, war violence and the effects of disaster by planting personalised crosses in a grave-size plot of land. 50 crosses will be available at the ceremony,” said Michael Lee, Old Bill of the Better ‘Ole Shellhole, Pinetown.
Emphasising that the ceremony does not compete with any 11 November military remembrance parades, this event is to encourage uniformed services to embrace and evolve their traditions.
“Tradition is a living thing and must evolve and serve the needs of organisations. The ceremony embraces individual service traditions and preserves the dignity and discipline commensurate with a ceremony of this significance,” said Lee.
A blue and white uniform, a peaked cap with blue and white diced bands is recognised internationally as the dress code of the police metro service in South Africa. They will stand proudly to attention as guard of honour and sentries for the duration of this year’s Wayside Cross Remembrance Ceremony.
Participation is expected from the mayoral office, four arms of service of the SANDF, as well as the SAPS, the Department of Correctional Services, Road Traffic Inspectorate, Fire Department, Provincial Ambulance Service (EMRS), St Johns Ambulance, Netcare 911, combat security and veterans associations such as the MOTHS and SA Legion. A fine turnout of Rotary, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides is also expected.
“The positive response and encouragement we have received in past years confirms that there is an overdue need for an event of this nature. We invite all services, MVO’s and the public to support and attend this dignified ceremony for at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them,” said Lee.
Contact Major David Quintin acting OC of Umvoti Mounted Rifles on 082 785 9613 or Michael Lee (Old Bill) on 082 305 5036.
