KNYSNA NEWS - On 11 November 1918, at 11:00, the guns fell silent, bringing an end to the First World War - Armistice Day.
The bleak devastating landscape became known as "No Man's Land", where bright red poppies began to grow in their thousands, flourishing even in the middle of chaos and destruction.
Since then, the delicate, resilient red poppy has become the symbol of Armistice Day.
On Sunday 13 November at 11:00, members of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (Moths) Albatross Shellhole, Knysna, gathered at the Knysna War Memorial in Memorial Square for a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of the fallen, those who had paid the supreme sacrifice for their countries in the two world wars, the Korean War, the Border War, and who continue to do so in the Ukraine war.
The Knysna and Districts Pipe Band led a stirring march down Main Street followed by the Sea Cadets in crisp white uniforms, marching with perfect military precision.
Moth Brett Baker, Old Bill for the Albatross Shellhole, led the proceedings and Padre Andy da Silva opened with prayer.
The South African flag is hoisted during the ceremony.
Baker read the names of all the young men from Knysna who had died in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and the Border War (1966-1989).
Their names were forever etched in our memories as the poem In Flanders Fields was read by Dee Hollely, a direct descendant of Lieutenant Colonel John McRae, author of the poem:
"In Flanders fields, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below."
Two minutes' silence was observed as a tribute to the sacrifices the armed forces made to defend freedom.
A lone piper played a lament as Moths representatives and members of the public laid wreaths.
Various international flags were displayed during the ceremony.
The atmosphere was pensive and reflective as the ceremony concluded with the Moths salute and prayer:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them – Lest we forget.
The Sea Cadets from T/S Knysna lead a parade down the N2/Main Street.
Sentries take guard at the base of the memorial.
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