Armistice Day – now known as Remembrance Day – is commemorated on 11 November, when we honour those men, women and animals who have served in wars, and those who have died in the line of duty.

Remembrance Day has been observed since the end of the First World War in 1918. Around the world, people are encouraged to wear poppies for the first fortnight in November, known as ‘Remembrancetide’, to honour all those who have been affected by war and conflict. 

Durban will be commemorating Remembrance Day with a wreath laying service, hosted by the SA Legion on behalf of the City of Durban, in front of the Cenotaph opposite the Durban City Hall on Sunday, November 9 at 10.30am. Entry is free, and all are welcome.

Poppies will be available from volunteer collectors on Saturday, November 8 as follows:

Durban: Avonmore Spar; Windermere Shopping Centre; Southway Mall; Glenwood Village, Queensmead Mall

Bluff: Bluff Hillside; Bluff Spar

Westville: Sandy’s Centre; Westville Spar; Westville Village Market; Westville Mall; Westville Ultra Liquors; Westville Junction PnP; Pavillion

Hillcrest/Kloof: Shongweni Farmers Market; Hillcrest Corner: Checkers; Oxford Food Market; Lillies Quarter Shopping Centre; Kloof Spar

Waterfall: Linkhills centre; Watercrest Mall Superspar; Waterfall Mall; Waterfall Oxfords; Waterfall Mica

Durban North: Kensington Square; Checkers Virgina Circle; Sunningdale Centre, Glenashley Spar; La Lucia Mall.

The red poppy stands as a powerful symbol of Remembrance, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Inspired by the resilient poppies that grew on the battlefields of Flanders after the First World War, they serve as a reminder of both the cost of war and the enduring hope for peace. One can also wear a purple poppy to symbolise the animals lost in war.

In South Africa, Remembrancetide commemorations are spearheaded by the South African Legion – a national non-profit organisation, part of a world-wide family that addresses the needs of ex-service personnel and their dependents by way of housing, pensions, employment and general welfare. Through the annual Poppy Appeal, the legion raises funds to support veterans in need.

To “purchase” poppies or to offer to collect at a shopping centre in your area on Poppy Day, please contact Brad or Jeanette on 031 205 0578 or email admin@salegion.durban

Other remembrance day gatherings:

• Glenwood High School Remembrance Day Ceremony: Friday, 7 Nov at 10:45am.
• Musgrave Methodist Church Service: Sunday 9 Nov at 7.30am.
• St Cyprians Church: High Mass with special guests: Sun 9 Nov at 9am.
• Durban Cenotaph Service: Sunday, 9 Nov at 10:30.
• Durban North College Remembrance Service: Tuesday, 11 Nov at 11:45am.
• Maritzburg College Remembrance Service: Tuesday, 11 Nov at 10:30am
• DHS Armistice Day Ceremony: Wednesday, 12 Nov at 1pm
• Clifton High School Remembrance Day Service: Friday, 14 Nov at 11am

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