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Mayor denies support for Civic Remembrance Parade for war fallen

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Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has staunchly supported and appreciated Remembrance Day each year.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, every year, across the world, marks the anniversary of Armistice Day in1918, when World War I ended. It is a day when we take the time to remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of those who have died in all wars, in order that we might be free. Hundreds of the dead, over the years, were sons of our city.

In Nelson Mandela Bay a civic parade is traditionally held on the Sunday closest to Remembrance Day – this year, on 10 November. The march comes to a halt at the Walmer Cenotaph, where wreaths are laid in remembrance of our soldiers lost in war.

This is called a civic parade because it is intended to show the city’s commemoration of its people who have made the ultimate sacrifice in wars in which they fought. The city has, for decades, sponsored the tea after the wreath-laying ceremony, and, most importantly, the Executive Mayor traditionally lays a wreath on behalf of the city.

Not this year. The Mayor’s office has made no support available, nor did she see fit to send a representative to lay a wreath on her behalf.

The Mayor owes the city an apology and an explanation. It is a disgrace that commemoration of the city’s war dead has received a heartless snub.

The DA attended the ceremony, as it always does.

Councillor Roelf Basson laid flowers at the cenotaph together with others who cared enough to do so. (see pictures here and here)

“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We will remember them.” – Robert Laurence Binyon, For the Fallen

Regards

Cllr Rano Kayser
DA NMB Caucus Leader

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