November 11, 2005
By Tshepiso Seopa
ALL South Africa's fallen heroes will be remembered this weekend during Remembrance Sunday ceremonies around the country.
In Johannesburg an interfaith service will be held at the Cenotaph in Harrison Street from 2pm to 5pm on 13 November.
Remembrance Sunday began as a way to remember those that died in World War 1, known as the Great War. The service in Johannesburg is held on the closest Sunday to the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Now it is a day to remember all who have fallen in wars and conflicts around the world. In South Africa, that now includes those who died in the struggle against apartheid.
The plaque at the Cenotaph has been amended. "In 1996 additions were made to the inscription, honouring the fallen heroes from a number of conflicts including those who fought in the struggle against apartheid," says Rear Admiral Lukas Bakkes, the chairperson for the technical task team organising the remembrance service,
The plaque now reads, "The City of Johannesburg honours those who paid the supreme sacrifice in all wars, battles and the armed struggle for freedom, democracy and peace in South Africa."
Remembrance Sunday is also known as Poppy Day. On this day it is traditional to wear small red paper or silk poppies. The blood red poppies bloomed across the battlefields of Europe, where thousands of young men died in horrific conditions in the trenches.
"For the first time this year Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein of South Africa will lead the religious service, assisted by Colonel Reverend Ashley Ndwandwe, Imaam Cassim Faduke and Pandit Sharma. This is a reflection of the diversity of South Africa," the rear admiral said.
The commemoration will start with hymns by the Salvation Army band and choir. Then the military bands of the South African Defence Force, the freedom regiments from Johannesburg, and the military veterans associations, including those of Umkhonto we Sizwe and the Azanian People's Liberation Army, will be on parade. Shortly after that, the dignitaries are expected to arrive, including the mayoral procession.
The plaque on the Cenotaph
At 3pm there will be the posting of sentries and the service will commence when all uniformed personnel and civilian men have removed their headgear.
Council speaker Councillor Nandi Mayethula-Khoza will read Psalm 23:1-6.
Two minutes of silence will be observed. This tradition is observed worldwide when fallen soldiers and veterans are remembered. "One minute is dedicated to the memory of the fallen, the second in gratitude for the survivors," said Bakkes.
On Friday afternoon, in preparation for Sunday's service the Cenotaph will be cleaned and restored.
Several roads around the Cenotaph will be closed for the Sunday service.
The following roads will be closed from 8am:
- Pritchard and Simmonds streets
- Pritchard and Harrison streets
- Pritchard and Rissik streets
- President and Sauer streets
- Market and Sauer streets
- Commissioner and Fraser streets
The following roads will be closed from 1pm:
- Wolmarans and Harrison streets
- De Villiers and Harrison streets
- Plein and Harrison streets
- Bree and Harrison streets
- Jeppe and Harrison streets
- Fox and Loveday streets
- Commissioner and Rissik streets
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