Lest We Forget

Have you ever wondered about the origins of Remembrance Day? Here at the Lest We Forget Cenotaph in Cape Town, the story unfolds. The Lest We Forget Cenotaph is more than just a monument. It’s a poignant reminder of South Africa’s contributions to global conflicts. It commemorates those who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The Cenotaph’s history intertwines with the very genesis of Remembrance Day. In 1918, the world sought a way to honor the immense loss of life in the First World War. Here in Cape Town, as early as 1918, public displays of remembrance took place. At the firing of the midday gun, the city would fall silent. The Last Post and Reveille would echo through the streets. A South African, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, played a pivotal role in establishing the two-minute silence. Deeply affected by his son’s death in World War I, Fitzpatrick proposed a two-minute pause to King George V. The King embraced the idea. In 1919, the King proclaimed the two-minute silence, a tradition now observed globally. The Lest We Forget Cenotaph serves as the focal point for these commemorations in Cape Town. The Cenotaph itself has a rich history. It was unveiled in 1924 and has been relocated twice to accommodate the city’s growth. Its bronze figures depict soldiers from various campaigns, and a winged victory figure faces Table Mountain. The inscriptions are in both English and Afrikaans, reflecting South Africa’s diverse heritage. As you stand here, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. Remember the words: “For your tomorrow, we gave our today.” At the Lest We Forget Cenotaph, we honor their memory and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.