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EL remembers war dead (video)
East London on Wednesday joined global celebrations marking armistice day 91 years ago, signalling the end of World War One -- a conflict which saw some 15 million people perish, writes Xolisa Mgwatyu. See video at the bottom of post
The celebration at East London’s War Memorial also saw the unveiling and re-consecration of new granite plaques in honour of those killed in battle, after vandals twice stole brass plaques off the memorial.
Speaking after the ceremony, Buffalo Volunteer Rifles’ Major Tony Step said he saluted the 235 East Londoners who had lost their lives on the battlefield and whose graves had never been found.
“We respect those people and we wish that our children could be taught about this so that our history be carried (onward) to them,” he said.
Also present at the commemoration were members of the Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (MOTHs), and the Caledonian Society Pipe band.
World War II veteran Alan Whittas said he regretted the deaths of so many people, mainly young men, but was proud to know that those who died in various wars would never be forgotten.
“We think about them especially on this day, which is aimed at celebrating their lives,” said Whittas.
Another veteran, Graham Turner said the spirit of the fallen heroes would forever live in his life.
“It is in that form that we need to pay our respect and dedicate this day to them,” said Turner.
Major Step said the stolen brass plaques had been recovered and were being stored at the Buffalo Volunteer Rifles’ museum.
“People were not aware of the significance of those names - hence they removed them. It is important to preserve and take care of the monument as it forms part of East London’s history,” said Step.
Also known at the time as the Great War, fighting ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (11 November 1918) when the armistice was signed.
The war officially ended seven months later when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, but fighting actually ceased when the armistice into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.
On Sunday, a parade will be held to commemorate the day. The parade is to start in St Andrews Road in Southernwood, proceeding up Oxford Street and turning into Lukin Road. - xolisani@dispatch.co.za
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DAVE R & PHOLE- very good points. Try and get your hands on the Neil Young dvd “CSNY-Deja Vu” released a few months ago. The documentary covers the bands ‘Living with War’ tour and has loads of interviews with war vets from both Vietnam and Iraq both for and against the conflict.
As one soldier who had deserted put it…”I went there (Iraq) to fight and protect my mother & sister. Then I realised that I was killing somebody elses mother & sister.”
Blow your pipe on Sunday Dave…but never forget the words of that most noble of Scots…
“We fight not for glory nor for wealth nor for honour. But only and alone we fight for freedom. Which no good man surrenders but with his life”
Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn- 24th June 1314
Over the years, the Remembrance Service has evolved to include the dead of World War 2, Korea, the Border War, the “Total Onslaught” / “The Struggle” up to the present peace-keeping missions.
The fallen include all soldiers, including members of MK, APLA and other non-statutory forces. The unifroms they wore and the causes they served are secondary. What matters is that they were loyal to their bliefs even though it cost their lives. For that they are remembered.
However much we may snipe each other on the blogs, on Sunday let us unite at the service (I’ll be there in the Pipe Band anyway) and remember the ideals for which they died.
Perhaps we might put those ideals into practice?
People are ends in themselves, not cannonfodder or instruments by which governments will rattle their sabres. They are someone’s mom and dad and not soldiers who can be dispensed at the drop of Churchill’s hat. None of these heroes from both sides of the trench need to have died. The murder of Franz Ferdinand was used as an excuse to spill blood and to test new weapons. Pray God these this never comes to pass again.
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