Remembrance Day Special: SA Veterans once again marched past the Cenotaph.
On 10 November 2013 we paused once more to remember the countless brave men and women who over so many generations have sacrificed everything for country and comrade.
The first SA Legion UK & Europe members to march in the Cenotaph Parade in nearly fifty years: (L to R) Jeff Coleman, Doug Beveridge, Graeme McArdle, Kevin Brown, Len William, Russel Pearce, Brett Bullough and Cameron Kinnear
In addition to the traditional Remembrance Day marches organised by SA Legion UK in Glasgow and London, this year, for the very first time since 1961, a contingent of South African veterans will participate in the Whitehall parade past the Cenotaph as guests of the RBL – SA Branch.
(L to R) Len Williams, Doug Beveridge, Graeme McArdle, Jeff Coleman and Brett Bullough wait expectantly for the start of the Cenotaph marchpast. (Not visible are Russell Pierce and Ken Brown, image by Cameron Kinnear)
Chairman Peter Dickens said, “It goes without saying that this invitation is a massive honour for SA veterans, I also recognise that by inviting us in, British authorities have afforded a unique opportunity to showcase the intertwined, sometimes complex, military histories of two proud nations.”
SALUK President Norman Sander was keen to extend a warm invitation to South Africans of all stripes to come out and support SALUK’s other London event at Commonwealth Gates, Constitutional Hill.
He said, “Some vets will be televised marching past the Cenotaph which will be an incredibly proud moment for the South African diaspora, but should not deter friends and family from wrapping up warm and showing their support our veterans at numerous other parades. We had great support last year and hope to see even more folks this time, whatever the weather!”
Members of the 1st South African contingent since 1961 to march past the Cenotaph. The Eight were eff Coleman, Doug Beveridge, Graeme McArdle, Kevin Brown, Len William, Russel Pearce, Brett Bullough and Cameron Kinnear.
Sander also added, “SA Legion Scotland Branch has been given the great honour of leading Glasgow’s main parade this year, so even if you only make it as far as the sofa on 10 November, make sure to look out for our vets who’ll be marching just behind the Colour party.”
A larger contingent of South African veterans also marched past the Commonwealth Memorial Gates. (Image by Lina Zakrisson)