Remembrance Day parade unites the town
"Together we are stronger, just like the Springboks" - Rev Pool's message at the Cenotaph
Today’s Remembrance Parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph, to mark the end of World War One, brought the town together.
The traditional parade, hosted by the Endumeni Isandlwana Moth Shellhole, saw over 20 wreaths being laid in memory of: the British soldiers who perished in the area, the Boer soldiers. the Germans who died in both World Wars, the Indian community, the men and women of the town who perished in all the battles fought in the area, the men of the SS Menzi (that sank during World War One), MK soldiers who died during the struggle years, families long associated with the history of the town. Wreaths were also laid by SAPS and military representatives.
Guest speaker, Rev William Pool, a retired Presbyterian Minister from Howick whose father worked at the Church of Scotland hospital in Msinga during the years of ‘faction fighting’ in that area, paid tribute to Rev Ireland – the Presbyterian Minister was did so much for the community during and after the battle of Talana (October 1899).
Watch a part of Rev Pool’s tribute here:
Rev Ireland was a remarkable man and after leaving South Africa signed up as a 45-year-old volunteer in World War One and perished when his ship, the SS Transylvania was sunk in 1917 near the port of Genoa.
“We mark the memory of those who sacrificed all in times of war in acknowledgment of the deeds they performed… deed that have allowed us to come so far in this country. Just as the Springbok victory in the Rugby World Cup brought this nation together so should the memory of those who have gone before us. Together we are stronger”
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them
See Wednesday’s Courier for more coverage on Remembrance Day.
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