Memorial Service
and V-E Day commemoration
 On
8 May 2005 the South African Air Force (SAAF) held a
memorial service at Bays Hill by commemorating V-E day, so
called for Victory in Europe, the day the Allies celebrated
the defeat of Nazi Germany – the end of World War II. With
it came the end of six years of misery, suffering, courage
and endurance across the world.
During the duration of the war at least 50 million people
paid with their lives, of whom 10 million were combatants.
40 million civilians bore the brunt of the destruction.
South Africa contributed to the destruction of evil
ideological systems by participating on the Allied side of
the War.
With the tradition of commemorating V-E day, the SAAF
recalls the memory of over three thousand of its own members
who gave their lives in service for their country in times
of both war and peace.
 After
playing the Last Post, a two-minute silence and a fly-past
of three Impalas commenced. Wreaths were laid by Chief of
the Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the National President
of the South African Air Force Association, Mr Leon du
Plessis, family members of members who lost their lives over
the past years in active service,
 Lt
Col Lee, on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea,
and next of kin to those who died during active service.
Wreaths were also laid on behalf of organisations, as a sign
of remembrance.
Information supplied by: Cpln (Rev) A. Burt and Maj I.
Steenkamp
Compiled by Maj J.V. du Toit, Editor AD ASTRA
magazine
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