Staff Reporter
THE MOTH held successful commemoration services on Remembrance Sunday in Windhoek, Walvis Bay, and Okahandja.
Walvis Bay was integrated into Namibia after independence after it was first annexed by the British and became South African territory until it was handed back through negotiations led by Namibia’s fourth president, dr. Nangolo Mbumba. Namibia also laid a wreath in the London commemoration as a member of the Commonwealth, while the Walvis Bay commemoration was timed to coincide with the 11 November main event that was followed by millions of viewers all over the world.
In Walvis Bay, the office of the Mayor was also represented on behalf of the people of Namibia’s second city.
Moth Hennie Olivier, Acting National Chairman of the MOTH in Namibia speaking at the event:
“On this Remembrance Sunday, it is once again a privilege to address this anniversary of the end of hostilities in World War I on 11 November 1918 and to pay homage, respect, and humble gratitude to all victims of war, of all wars that scarred the past of mankind. However, the main purpose of this day is not a glorification of war; it is a Day of Remembrance, a day of tribute to the bravery of the men and women who fought those wars, and a day to pay our respects and to thank each and every serviceman and woman for their service, especially those who did not return from the battlefields. We also dedicate this service today and observe two minutes of silence for all those brave soldiers who find themselves on the front lines of war at this very moment.
The Red Poppy is our reminder of the courage, faith, and honour of all fallen heroes — those who fought and gave their lives to defend the rights, privileges, and freedoms that we are fortunate to have in our country today.
This anniversary is particularly significant as we recently had the honour to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. The highlight of these events was the commemorative gathering of the Royal British Legion at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
These solemn events and our Act of Remembrance this morning stand in the shadows of wars and strife around the world. Just pause for a moment to consider the current wars burning in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. Sadly, it seems that worldwide efforts to end the fighting are failing.”
PICTURED: Members of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (M.O.T.H.) at the war memorial, J.C. Harries Park in Walvis Bay. Photos: Contributed
Photos: BBC