The Royal  Cape Yacht Club held their Armistice Day Remembrance Parade at the Royal Cape Yacht Club on Tuesday. David Garrard, Commodore of the Royal  Cape Yacht Club and Vice -Commodore Lynette Finlay laid wreaths and setting off a canon to commemorate the end of World War 1 when the armistice (ceasefire agreement) was signed between the Allies and Germany on 11 November 1918 at  11am – “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”.  

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. The day is also marked by war remembrances in several other non-Commonwealth countries. 

In most countries, Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of First World War hostilities. Hostilities ended “at the 11 hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” of 1918,  in accordance with the armistice signed by respresentatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. (At the 11th hour” refers to to the pass of the 11th hour or 11am.)

The First World War formally ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.

In South Africa, Remembrance Day is not a public holiday. Commemoration ceremonies are usually held on the nearest Sunday, at which the “Last Post” is played by a bugler followed by the observation of a two-minute silence. Ceremonies to mark the event in South Africa are held at the Cenotaph in Cape Town, and in the Pretoria at the Voortrekker Monument cenotaph and the War Memorial at the Union Buildings.

The poem “In Flanders Fields”  was written by John McCrea, a Canadian physician and soldier on May 3, 1915, after he presided over the funeral of a friend who died in battle. The poem reflects  McCrea’s grief and the harsh realities of war.

McCrae wrote the poem during the Second Battle of Ypres, where he witnessed the devastation of war and the sight of poppies growing amidst the graves of fallen soldiers. This imagery has since become a powerful symbol of remembrance.

“In Flanders Fields” is one of the most quoted poems from World War I and has played a significant role in memorial traditions, particularly in the Commonwealth nations. The red poppy, mentioned in the poem, has become a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who have died in conflict, especially on Remembrance Day.

“In Flanders Fields” serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Soldiers during wartime anf continues to resonate as a symbol of remembrance and hope for peace. Its powerful imagery and emotional depth have ensured its place in literary and historical surrounding war and remembrance.

The Poem:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between crosses, row on row,

That mark our place, and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the the guns below.

We are Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glo,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders fields.

Take up your quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be your to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die. 

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow 

In Flanders fields.

Source link