THE South African Legion hosted their Annual Service of Remembrance on Sunday, November 14, at Farewell Square and Cenotaph in central Durban.
Commemorative wreaths were laid to honour fallen soldiers who died in the line of duty before the South African army, navy, airforce, and military health service marched down Dorothy Nyembe Street.
Chairperson of the SA Legion, Durban Branch, Bryan Doré said the event was well attended this year.
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“It was exceptionally well attended. The turnout from the SANDF and the regimental associations and various veteran associations was really beyond expectation. We really have a considerable appreciation to be expressed to the chief of the SANDF ceremonial for their support and to the Mayor’s office,” he said.
The service was hosted on Remembrance Sunday, which falls on the closest Sunday to Remembrance Day on November 11. Also known as Poppy Day, Remembrance Day has been observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War. While the memorial day started to commemorate fallen soldiers after World Ward 1, Sunday’s event honoured all soldiers who have died in the line of duty in conflicts gone by.
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“Poppy Day originated after the first World War when it was realised that soldiers who had perished left behind dependants without support, while soldiers returning from the war, who had been away for five years or more, were returning to no employment,” said Doré.
Lt Col Alastair Clarke, commanding officer for 105 squadron, South African Air Force, attended the ceremony to lay a wreath for his squadron.
“This service was significantly better attended than it has been for many years. This is a wonderful trend to see. It’s a very important event held all over the world,” he said.
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