Poppies are available (for a donation) on Poppy Day: Saturday, 8 November
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, 9 November at 10.30am. Entry is free, and all are welcome.
Poppies will be available from volunteer collectors on Saturday, 8 November as follows:
Durban: Avonmore Spar; Windermere Shopping; Southway Mall; Glenwood Village
Umbilo: 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. It is apolitical, non-sectarian, non-racial, non-sexist and non-partisan. Established in 1921, it is the oldest military veterans’ support association in the country.
Through the annual Poppy Appeal, the Legion raises funds to support veterans in need. The Legion is regularly involved in community events to raise awareness and finances to support the work that they do.
For more information, or 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
Good to Know:
* Remembrance Day – this year Tuesday, 11 Nov.
* Remembrance Sunday – this year Sunday, 9 Nov.
* Poppy Day – this year Saturday, 8 Nov.
* For more information, or to “purchase” poppies or to offer to collect at a shopping certre in your area on Poppy Day, please contact Brad or Jeanette on 031 205 0578 or email admin@salegion.durban
* 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
* All Remembrance Services are free, and all are welcome.
Caption:
Poppy – photo Shelley Kjonstad
Members of the KZN Philharmonic with poppies. For the first concert of the KZN Phil Spring Season on Thursday 6 Nov at 7pm in the Playhouse Opera, they will be performing Vaughan Williams’ ethereal The Lark Ascending, which evokes the lark’s soaring song, with a touch of sadness written on the eve of the First World War.
Sunday Kelechi – Cello Cadet
Chad Hendricks – Resident Conductor, KZN Phil
Nicola Botha – Second violin, Cadet
Poppy Day
