Remembrance Day Memorial Parade
08 November 2020
Speech by the City's Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson
Military Veterans and their families
Representatives of the South African National Defence Force: Generals and Admirals, Officers and men and women in uniform
Members of law enforcement agencies
Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps
Religious leaders
Distinguished guests
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning, and welcome.
I would like to extend a special word of welcome to the families and loved ones of those men and women who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Our thoughts are especially with you today.
I am honoured, as always, to commemorate this day with you.
This has been a year of momentous changes; changes that affect every aspect of our lives. This ceremony, one that has been repeated every year for over 100 years, has also had to adapt to these strange new times.
And yet, some things remain unchanged: Our commitment to commemorating the bravery of those who fought, lived through, and died during the World Wars, and all other wars; our commitment to ensure that the values they embodied live on, and the enduring force of the human spirit.
As always in times of fear and uncertainty, there are those who seek to profit from it at the expense of others; who seek to drive division and fan the flames of prejudice.
And yet, there are always, in my experience, more people who are willing to open their hearts, to make the sacrifices required, to help where they can, and to go about the daily business of living with cheer and good humour.
Their voices may not always be as loud and strident as those who choose the path of discord, but their actions and their spirit can have a profound impact on those around them.
We have seen this in our city, with the many people volunteering to assist those in need; with our law enforcement services and military personnel, our healthcare workers and frontline service staff, who put their lives at risk every day just by doing their jobs.
It is perhaps appropriate this year, to especially remember those medical personnel who were in the front lines during wars: the stretcher bearers who were often not given recognition of military rank, the doctors and nurses in front line hospitals, the casualty evacuation drivers and pilots and Medical Corp staff who risked all to save as many lives as they could. Many of them perished in these efforts.
As we remember today the sacrifices of those made during times of war, let us also take a moment to honour those who, even though we are not at war today, are showing similar grit and mettle.
And let us consider how we can do our part as well, by protecting ourselves and those around us through observing the required protocols. We may be feeling fatigued by the constant hand washing, sanitising and mask wearing. We may feel that social distancing is becoming too onerous. Yet, in the bigger scheme of things, considering the sacrifices made by those we honour here today, surely we can persevere.
Let us take heart as we remember them, and allow their bravery and sacrifice to inspire us in these challenging times.
Today, we honour those who served, as well as those who were affected by conflict, both on the battlefield and at home.
We acknowledge their families and loved ones.
We salute our veterans.
We pay tribute to our men and women in uniform who have sworn to uphold the values we hold dear.
And we acknowledge those who, even though they may not be wearing a military uniform, are displaying the same bravery and determination to keep us safe.
May we all do our part to honour their sacrifices.
Thank you very much.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
