Border boys remembered

Gallery

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND GALLERY - Sunday, 15 May, was a glorious autumn day to host a parade to remember those who served during the Bush War.

The Blaize Away MOTH Shell Hole hosted the Border Boys Parade at the Cenotaph at the Point in Mossel Bay, a week after the MOTH organisation celebrated its 95th birthday.

Present at the parade were local military veterans from the shell hole in George and further afield, their families, friends and members of the public.

PHOTO GALLERY: Border Boys Parade

Councillor Anton Dellemijn, also a military veteran, attended the parade on behalf of the Mossel Bay Town Council.

The youth, including the TS Outeniqua Sea Cadets and junior town councillors, were commended for their participation.

The TS Outeniqua Sea Cadets contributed to the event by joining the parade and a highlight was the two minutes' silence, announced and ended by the firing of the two-quarter-pound, black gunpowder cannons. A member of the police Bomb Squad assisted in firing them.

Several wreaths were laid during the ceremony, which was also attended by members of the Mossel Bay Junior Town Council. Junior mayor, Ethan-John Carstens, was given the honour by the hosting shell hole, Blaize Away, to read the names of the fallen soldiers from Mossel Bay.

Following the parade, veterans commended the youth, including the junior councillors and the sea cadets, for their contribution to preserving the memory of those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.

According to MOTH Anthony van Tonder, who organised the parade, the MOTHs are already busy with the arrangements for the next large commemorative parade in November, when Armistice Day is celebrated. This day commemorates the end of the First World War.

Councillor Anton Dellemijn with (from left) junior councillors Handri Viljoen, Mienke de Beer (junior deputy mayor) and Ethan-John Carstens (junior mayor). Photo's: Cornelle Carstens