Article and Photos by Private M. Sithole, SA Army Corporate Communication

The Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo laying a wreath in memory of the fallen heroes

The Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo and Army Headquarters personnel held a Remembrance Day memorial service in honour of fallen soldiers, on 11 November 2011 at Army Headquarters parade ground.

The Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed throughout the world in memory of the members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty since World War I. This day is observed to recall the official end of the World War I. The hostilities ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 after the German signing of the Armistice.

South Africa’s own Sir James Percy Fitzpatrick initiated the Two Minutes of Silence pause as a tribute to the fallen heroes and to those who survived. One minute is dedicated to the fallen soldiers and the other minute to survivors.

In his speech, the Chief of the SA Army Lieutenant General Masondo addressed the members on parade, reminding everyone of the responsibility they have to recognise and acknowledge the prominent role played by fallen soldiers of the World Wars, the sacrifices they have made in other to restore the dignity of the profession of arms of which the foundation stones are discipline, patriotism and self sacrifice. He further more wished that this day and ceremony could inspire all members to achieve more in the quest to create a better South African Army for all, an army that the people of South Africa can be proud of.