Memorable Poppy Day parade held

Gallery Update Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEOS - The Remembrance Day Parade on Sunday, 14 November, organised by the Blaize Away MOTH Shellhole in Mossel Bay, was well attended and the MOTH members were pleased with the day's events.

Last year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, Poppy Day went almost unnoticed, apart from a few devoted veterans who placed poppies at the Cenotaph. The photographs were shared on social media as a solemn commemoration nonetheless.

This year, a group nearly 200-strong attended the occasion to commemorate Armistice Day, which ended armed conflict after the First World War. It has since become a commemoration for all those who have fallen in other wars.

The exuberant Radetzky March was played at the beginning of the parade, setting the tone. During a public announcement, the purpose of the day was explained in brief.

"We ask for your tolerance for the loud music and cannon fire during the parade. Moreover, we thank you for your goodwill and patience as you celebrate this day with us, even if it is by just witnessing the ceremony from afar."

PHOTO GALLERY: 2021 Poppy Day Parade

MOTHs and other military veteran organisations, as well as the Outeniqua Sea Cadets stood on parade during the ceremony, which was opened in prayer by Annemarie Dellemijn, the wife of Mossel Bay town councillor Anton Dellemijn.

VIDEO: Memorable Poppy Day Parade

VIDEO: Poppy Day Breakfast Run

Unlike in previous years, there was no sermon, just a few moving songs including Scotland the Brave, Amazing Grace and The Last Post, leaving those gathered to their own thoughts on war and the sacrifice of the fallen.

The programme included wreath laying and ceremonial cannon fire. Two minutes of silence were observed. A 9 x 9 metre poppy, the symbol of Remembrance Day, was also on display.

Fanus van der Merwe of the South African Cannon Association, presented the two-quarter-pound black gunpowder cannons and a member of the police Bomb Suad assisted in firing them.

The two-quarter-pound black gunpowder cannons in action.

A particularly touching moment was when Councillor Dellemijn, himself a veteran, helped an unknown woman lay a cross at the Cenotaph. According to the event organiser, Anthony van Tonder, the woman arrived shortly before the parade, bearing a photograph of her son, who had died in armed conflict.

"She was very frail and emotional," said Dellemijn.

Councillor Anton Dellemiijn helping an unknown woman lay a cross for her son.

The Mossel Bay Advertiser tried to establish the woman's identity, but at the time of going to print, had not received replies to enquiries made.

On Saturday, 13 November, a Poppy Day breakfast run was held as part of the parade in Mossel Bay.

Read the Blaize Away MOTH Shellhole's letter of thanks in the letters section today.

Members of the Mossel Bay Junior Town Council attended in their official capacity (from left): Aizlin Aguihas, Ethan-John Carstens, Kaley Sampson, Ayabonga Hlumkeza and Lisakhanya Beli.