On June 26, Moths from the Suikerbosrand Shellhole held their annual wreath-laying ceremony for Salmon van As, a man that was wrongfully executed by British soldiers during the Second Anglo-Boer War at the Old Jail in Jordaan Street.
As part of the ceremony fallen war heroes were honoured by family, friends and dignitaries.
In attendance were members of the Moths, the Moths Motorcycle Association, family and friends, as well as members of the public.
Various speakers took turns supplying more information about the fallen heroes.
The speakers at the ceremony were Reverent Steward Gordon, Tony Burisch, Colonel Johann Strauss, Kraay van Kraayenberg and Evert Pistorius.
The ceremony honoured fallen heroes that had ties with Heidelberg in various wars.
It culminated with a wreath laid for Van As, who was a field cornet during the war. He was executed on June 23, 1902.
Burisch reminded everyone about the rich history of Heidelberg.
Strauss in turn said, “The history in Heidelberg is what makes Heidelberg unique and a place to be proud of.”
Pistorius concluded the ceremony saying, “Van As was a proud soldier and all that he did, what we all would do in fact, is he defended himself. He did not break any rules or commit any crime when he was executed.
“Learn from the past and be proud of your heritage.”
The ceremony ended with the Ode of Remembrance: They will grow not old. As we that are left grow old. Age will not weary them. Nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
