Remembering the heroes of the past
The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) will commemorate the fallen from November 8 to Tuesday November 11. This will include a remembrance parade at the war memorial in Barberton, Poppy Day collection and a shadow march on Armistice Day.
MBOMBELA – At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month World War I’s brave souls are remembered for their sacrifices in an annual remembrance event known as Armistice Day.
It refers to the agreement that was signed between the Germans and the Allies to end the war on November 11, 1918. Armistice Day also coincides with remembrance and veterans day and celebrates the armistice that was signed nearly 96 years ago.
Countless lives were lost in battle during World War I and the Lowveld will also join in the remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
The Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) will commemorate the fallen from November 8 to Tuesday November 11. This will include a remembrance parade at the war memorial in Barberton, Poppy Day collection and a shadow march on Armistice Day.
Originally the MOTH was only for “frontline” veterans of World War I, but has since incorporated war veterans from World War II and the Border War.
“These parades are not MOTH parades, but are arranged by the Moths for the community. Everyone is welcome to join in,” say Dr Jack Swanepoel.
There is also a special moment of silence which is held on this day. King George V officially proclaimed this moment of silence on November 7, 1919.
“There may be for the brief space of two minutes a complete suspension of all our normal activities so that in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead,” he stated.
The Poppy Day collection will also take place as per tradition that dates back to 1920.
The use of the poppy was inspired by the World War I poem In Flanders Fields, written by Canadian physician John McCrae. Its opening lines refer to the many poppies that were the first flowers to grow in the churned-up earth of soldiers’ graves in Flanders, a region of Europe that saw some of the worst fighting of World War I.
Frenchwoman Anna E Guérin introduced the artificial poppies commonly used today.
In 1921 she sent her poppy sellers to London, where they were adopted by Field Marshal Douglas Haig, a founder of the Royal British Legion. Veteran groups have adopted this tradition ever since.
