IN PHOTOS: 22nd Pro Patria Parade observed in Barberton

The Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (MOTH) held its 22nd annual Pro Patria Parade at the Garden of Remembrance on Saturday February 10.

Held on the second Saturday of February every year, the parade honours those who died during the South African Border War, as well as the fallen soldiers from other wars.

Speaking to Lowvelder on the day of the parade, District Old Bill for Mpumalanga Karel de Beer said the Pro Patria stands for ‘our land’. He said the Remembrance Garden was also where the soldiers who fought in WWII had stayed and trained before heading to the war.

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“Soldiers used to camp here before the war. The different units put up their different memorials here in the garden,” he said.

He added that MOTH member Glenn du Preez, who was also present at the parade, had helped build the pyramid-shaped Pro Patria plinth over two decades ago, the first of its kind to be built in in the southern hemisphere, and that the only other one was in the Western Cape.

De Beer said eight delegates from the MOTH headquarters as well as some special guests were present at the parade. He said the Stevenson-Hamilton Pipe Band plays at the parade annually and there is always a wreath-laying ceremony. He added that the Lowveld Aero Club also flies over the parade each year.

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“After the parade, we planted a baobab tree in the garden. The baobab lasts forever and will be something for the generations to come,” he said.

De Beer added that the specific tree they planted in the garden was germinated from the baobab tree that had been standing at the Lone Tree Shellhole for almost 40 years.

When the parade ended, all the members, delegates and guests went to the Lone Tree Shellhole to enjoy a few drinks, some food and good company.

Should you wish to purchase some of the photos in high resolution, please email stefan@lowvelder.co.za.