For all those who failed to return

Update Video

STILBAAI NEWS AND VIDEO - Just like on the morning of 11 November 1918 in the forest of Compiègne, France, a chill drizzle enshrouded Stilbaai during the local Armistice Day celebrations on 10 November.

More than 50 residents and visitors gathered at the local shooting range for a wreath-laying and cross planting ceremony to commemorate cessation of hostilities in World War I.

In organiser Richard Webb's welcome address he pointed out that the day popularly known as Poppy Day has become significant for a far wider group than just war veterans: "We are remembering those who paid the ultimate price while in any uniform, not just military."

Proceedings started with the lowering of the national flag halfway while a poignant recording of 'The last post' sounded through the still air. Wreaths were laid one after the other at the foot of the flag pole. Several crosses were planted. The Rhodesian Light Infantry unit and its 1st Commando, the Cape Corps from Riversdale, Stilbaai NSRI station 31, 61 Mechanised Brigade and its C Squadron, the British South African Police, the Pretoria Highlanders unit, Operation Savannah, the Pretoria Regiment, Rhodesian Internal Affairs, the South African Air Force, the AfriForum Goukou Plaaswag, as well as Dirk Uys and Frank Montanari were represented.

The occasion was concluded with a short scripture reading and prayer by Rev. Carel Matthee (chaplain of the Dutch Reformed Church), after which attendees enjoyed tea, coffee and a bring and braai.

In the words of the fourth stanza of Laurence Binyon's 1914 poem 'For the fallen': "At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget."

Watch a video here: