ANZAC Day - 25 April 2006 - West Australia
A letter from the WA Chairman of SAMVOA after the ANZAC Day parade in Perth, 25th April 2006.
It was with great pride that I took part in a very wet but highly successful, Anzac Day Parade on the streets of Perth, with other SAMVOA veterans on Tuesday, 25 April 2006.
The proceedings started at 05h00 with ten of us attending the Dawn Service at the cenotaph in Kings Park.The threat of heavy rain did not deter an estimated crowd of over 30 000 people, who turned out to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice and those who returned and have since passed on to higher service.
It was a very moving ceremony and one that should be attended at least once by each of us.It was pleasing to note the large number of young people there and their commitment to keeping the Anzac Spirit alive was very evident.
After the service we assembled in the city in preparation for our inaugural march and joined ex-servicemen from various other countries at a "Gunfire Breakfast" in Stirling Gardens, diagonally across from the stepping off area.There was a very relaxed atmosphere with the recital of Aussie poetry and the performance of bush songs being performed by various artists.As we moved about in a group of neatly dressed ex-South African servicemen, one could feel and sense the "looks" these new boys on the block, so to speak, were getting, none of which were in any way negative.Thoughts like, neat, professional and even awe could be sensed and I know that I for one was extremely proud to be a SAMVOA Veteran. The weather held as we enjoyed breakfast and coffee with other ex serviceman from various countries, which was great.
We expected to step off at 09h40 but in true army tradition it ended up in a classic "hurry up and wait" affair with us only stepping off at 10h40, by which time it had started drizzling.We had a tremendous turnout.Twenty one SAMVOA Veterans marched including Robyn van der Mescht, the daughter of one of our veterans, who marched in memory of her late grandfather, Isaac Christian van der Mescht.He served with the South African forces in East Africa, North Africa and Italy during World War 2.Robyn was given "pride of place" between our banner bearers, Riaan de Villiers and Ben Opperman. We also opted to march with three flags, namely the Australian flag followed by the old South African and new South African flags.This was done not as an arrogant gesture on our part but for the following reasons;
> By flying the Australian flag, we hoped to demonstrate our allegiance to our new homeland, Australia and all its people, first and foremost.
> The two South African flags are historically and factually correct and our hope is that with the two flags side by side some sort of reconciliation can be fostered amongst those from either side who, for whatever reason, have an issue marching under any particular flag.
I am convinced that both these objectives have been achieved and that we will see an increase in the number of ex South African servicemen joining SAMVOA and participating in future parades.
It was with great pride and precision that we marched through the streets of Perth to the applause of the thousands of people who braved the rain.Some Veterans mentioned that they had lumps in their throats during the march.We, as an organisation have been complimented on our dress and drill.One crowd comment to be overheard was, " You can see they were soldiers," being very appropriate.Our participation in this year`s parade has also resulted in invitations by various other ex- servicemen`s organisations to join them for drinks and lunch at the end of next year`s march.We will be honoured to do so.
Due to the weather the post parade service was unfortunately cancelled.
I have spoken to each SAMVOA Veteran who participated and thanked them for their support. Without their effort and commitment the day would not have been the overwhelming success that it was.Each and every one of them have indicated that they will definitely be at next year`s parade where I know they will once again honour the memory of our fallen comrades and do SAMVOA proud.
To all those Veterans who could not make the parade, we look forward to marching with you next year.
Age will not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
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