Military Museum opens to public
The Springs Mining and Military Museum opened to the public on Saturday.
The Springs Mining and Military Museum is open to the public. The ceremony saw delegates, sponsors and community members who played a vital role in its conception attend.
The museum, a first of its kind, has been the dream of Prosafe CEO Tony da Cruz. The Springsite spearheaded restoration projects all over the town with the help of fellow business owners and their companies before starting the venture.
The opening started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, then a walk-through by those in attendance.
The programme was opened with a scripture and prayer by Pastor Jonathan Coates, who spoke briefly of Springs’ history and its impact on the town and its residents.
“Over the years, Springs has seen a season of breaking down and a season of brokenness. Today, we see a season of building,” said Coates.
He spoke about the museum being a place of memories and how it serves as a lesson for all.
“This is a place of the past and also a place for the future. We learn from the past so we may learn for the future,” he declared.
He said the museum had restored hope in the hearts of everyone.
“What started with a small garden grew and gave us hope for the future,” concluded the pastor.
Da Cruz spoke about his passion for the town that had forgotten its history.
“It has been a rough couple of decades, and in the process, we have abandoned our history and heritage,” he said.
He said this neglect had hurt the souls and pride of all Springsites.
“We cannot be proud of you we are if we allowed our surroundings to be neglected and dilapidated,” he remarks.
He also spoke about the inspiration behind the museum and how it is the responsibility of everyone to protect it.
“Our mining culture and military history make us who we are,” he declared.
He thanked the sponsors who came together to make the museum what it is and everyone for their contributions.
Major General Roy Andersen spoke about the importance of preserving history.
“Our economy is built on the back of our mining, and our history has remnants of our military contributions,” declared Andersen.
He said opening this museum provided inspiration, and it needed protecting.
“Springs finally understands what the importance of heritage is. I salute you, congratulate you, and wish this museum every success in the future,” he affirmed.
The event saw traditional Scottish music played with bagpipes, a gumboot dance by local dance group Isibani Youth in Arts and the Springs Boys’ High School Band.
There was also a special flypast by the historical Harvard plane.
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