Honouring the Fallen
Date: 20 May 2011
By Dean Wingrin
AFB Ysterplaat held its annual Air Force Memorial Service today in which the airforce recalls the memory of thousands of its members who gave their lives in service for their country in times of war and in times of peace.
May is traditionally the month in which the South African Air Force Memorial Service is held at the Air Force Memorial on Bays Hill, outside Pretoria. Localised services are also held at airforce bases around the country.
The Memorial Services honour those members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. Senior SANDF and political leaders, military units, veterans associations, industry organisations and family members are afforded the opportunity to lay wreaths to commemorate the approximately 3 000 fallen SAAF members.
During the service, the SAAF, next of kin and various veteran organisations laid wreaths. Brig Gen Anthony Staunton laid a wreath on behalf of the Chief of the Airforce The accompanying photographs were taken at the Memorial Service held at AFB Ysterplaat on 20 May 2011.
They shall grow not old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning -
we will remember them
