SA Army Media Release, South African National Defence Force Participation in the National Civic Remembrance Day Service and Parade, 9 November 2008

The annual National Civic Remembrance Day Service and Parade took place on Sunday, 9 November 2008 at the Cenotaph, Harrison Street, Johannesburg. With this event the City of Johannesburg paid tribute to the South Africans who lost their lives in honour of South Africa.

The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Amos Masondo was the main functionary, while Major General Vusi Masondo, the Chief of the SA Army Force Preparations represented the SA Army.

The parade started with the trooping of various bands and then the marching columns marched past the Cenotaph. Afterwards, the Remembrance Day Service wreath laying ceremony took place.

The streets of Johannesburg came to a standstill when a colourful marching parade passed trough the streets. The parade consisted of the SA National Defence Force Regular and Reserve elements, SA Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Detachments, Johannesburg Emergency Services Detachments, Ex-Service organisations including the Gunners Association, Ex MK, APLA, AZANLA, SA Infantry Association, Royal Naval Association and SA Air Force Association, elements of the Youth Volunteer Organisation viz. SA Red Cross, "Noodhulpliga", Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, school children and Fire Engines with lights covered with black cloths.

The year marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Square Hill in which members of the SA Army Cape Corps participated as well as the 90th anniversary of the Armistice Day on which peace was declared at end the of World War 1.

Compiled by: Major Merle Meyer
Communication Officer, SA Army Infantry Formation