Parade in honour of the fallen
The annual Wits Week Parade was held this past Saturday to celebrate the lives of those who died in active service.
The Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment held its annual Wits Weeks Parade on Saturday at the regiment’s headquarters, Fort Bear, in Germiston.
With a history dating back to 1947, when the first parade was held to commemorate members of the regiment who had died in service, each year the wreath-laying parade and commemoration service is held as close as possible to April 15 as that’s when the Witwatersrand Rifles joined the de la Rey (WR/DLR) Regiment and participated in the Battle of Caprara, in Italy, in 1945.
The platoon, in formation with the Witwatersrand Regiment Association Pipe Band, made a spectacular entrance into the headquarters providing entertainment for guests.
The service was graced with high ranked members of the SANDF such as Honorary Col Dr John Job who was also the keynote speaker, second-in-command Capt Thabang Tsotetsi and Staff Sgt Thokozani Miya among other guests.
Chaplain Juel Moavi welcomed all guests and led everyone in the Chaplain’s Prayer.
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“In this annual commemoration we not only honour those who died in service, but we acknowledge those who died in accidents or by other causes while they were still part of the regiment.
“Like many, my name will one day be on the Wall of Remembrance too.
“While we are still alive we’ll celebrate the lives of those who died in service and honour them with this annual service,” said Job.
“This year we had a small parade because many of our platoons are deployed and had to work in other regions today, but the purpose of the parade was still fulfilled.”
After his address Job, Capt Nomthandazo Moyo and Peter Williams of the military veterans were among seven who laid wreaths in remembrance of the fallen heroes.
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