Redhill Cemetery World War monument cleaned by SA Legion
A member of the public noticed the monument was in need of some tender loving care.
MEMBERS of the South African Legion Durban Branch recently cleaned and restored a World War I & II monument that was in need of tender loving care.
Rick Andries, the vice chairman of the legion’s Durban branch, said they were the unofficial custodians of war memorials and commemoration sites in and around the greater Durban area.
The monument, situated at Redhill Cemetery, has been relocated on more than one occasion.
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“A member of the public noticed the monument was in need of some tender loving care. A group of legion members and staff, along with the Durban branch president, Pat Acutt, restored the monument to a state as near to its former glory as it can be. The legion carried out this prior to Veterans Day, celebrated on November 7. Usually, legion members visit various cemeteries around Durban and place red poppies on the graves of all of the fallen heroes, as a sign that they will not be forgotten,” Andries explained.
He added that the SA Legion is the oldest military veteran’s organisation in South Africa and relies on the generosity of the public to fund vital work, such as the clean-up, and other projects undertaken by the SA Legion.
“The main source of fundraising for the legion is the annual Poppy Day that, this year, is held on November 6 and 13. Members of the public are encouraged to make a donation to the SA Legion in return for a red poppy (The Flower Of Remembrance). Members and friends of the SA Legion will be on duty at various malls in the Durban North area this weekend,” he said.
