Wreath-laying ceremony honours fallen South African heroes

The annual wreath laying ceremony was held on Sunday November 10 at the cenotaph near the Cape Town Convention Centre. Picture: Grant Williams

Mayor Dan Plato, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a well as loved ones honoured those who died in the line of duty at the annual wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday November 10.  

The ceremony is held on the Sunday nearest to November 11, which marks Remembrance Day, and is held at the cenotaph. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth.

It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday November 11, 1918, at 11am – on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Mr Plato said Remembrance Day should not be a celebration, but instead a firm reminder to all around the world that we must continue to work towards opening constructive dialogue and finding peaceful solutions.

“The women and men who served in the armed forces are owed our gratitude. Our country also played an active role in supporting the allied troops during both world wars. Let us not forget their sacrifice.

“Our world has made much progress in technology and modernisation, but our approach to peace has been more of a struggle.

“While today looks back at the past, let us spare a thought for the millions of people around the world who live every day in uncertainty; under the constant threat of violence.”