South Africa’s Helderberg Hospice Joins Us in Honoring Veterans

Just as Hospice of the Western Reserve recognizes and thanks our community’s veterans, our sister hospice from across the globe, Helderberg Hospice in Somerset West, South Africa, also observes Veterans Day – commonly known as Remembrance Day - with a heartfelt, symbolic ceremony.

This year’s observance commemorated the 100th anniversary of the poppy as a symbol honoring all members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty since the end of the first World War. The significance of poppies stems from the poem In Flanders Fields, which describes poppies growing among the crosses marking the graves of those who died during the war.

Helderberg Hospice’s garden volunteers created a flower bed in the shape of a poppy. During the ceremony, symbolic handmade poppies were distributed and placed in the garden. Following the solemn notes of “The Last Post,” a traditional military bugle call, two minutes of silence were observed.

Dianne Waddington, Social Work Manager, read a poem of remembrance: “We stand in solidarity with our partner Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio in the United States of America, as they, too, remember those who served their country,” she said. “Veterans Day is time to honor all the brave men and women among us who at one time put on a uniform to protect our country. While we can never truly understand their sacrifice or repay their service, we can honor them, be thankful for them and remember them. Those who live in freedom will always be grateful for those who helped preserve it.”