Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War

Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War

The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War honors the lives lost in one of history's most catastrophic conflicts. It serves as a solemn reminder of the human cost of war and encourages nations worldwide to foster a culture of peace, unity, and mutual respect. This Observance also aims to nurture a sense of collective remembrance, recognizing the war’s devastating impacts on individuals, societies, and nations across the globe.

While South Africa remained relatively unscathed physically by World War II, its people were profoundly affected. Thousands of South Africans served in the armed forces, with many incurring casualties or becoming prisoners of war. Hence, the Observance resonates deeply within the country, not just as a commemoration for those who lost their lives abroad, but as an enduring testament to the heroism, sacrifices, and the dramatic societal changes that took place during this tumultuous period in South African history.

In South Africa, the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation is marked by various activities promoting remembrance and reconciliation. These may range from public speeches to memorial services, wreath-laying at war memorials, and engagements in schools and communities aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the war’s effects. the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation is recognized annually on May 8 and 9, coinciding with the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. In South Africa, the significance of these dates is often tied in with broader commemorative events observing the country's significant war history.

Facts about this day

• World War II was one of the deadliest international conflicts in history. A total of 60 to 80 million people were killed. Civilians comprised about 50-55 million of these deaths while military troops comprised 21 to 25 million.
• Several countries chose to remain neutral during World War II. These included Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
• The observance aligns with Victory in Europe (VE) Day – celebrated on May 8 – which marks the end of World War II in Europe. It was on this day in 1945 when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces.
• Total South African military casualties in World War II (WW2) were approximately 11,700, with 9,000 of them being combat-related deaths, and 2,700 caused by non-combat related incidents (illness, accidents, etc.).
• During WW2, South African forces were mainly involved in campaigns in North Africa (such as the Battle of El Alamein) and Italy. Additionally, South African pilots and naval personnel participated in many theaters of war.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War

Top things to do in South Africa for this observance

• Visit one of the many war memorials around the world. Some popular memorials include the National World War II memorial in Washington, DC or the Cenotaph in London, United Kingdom. Another popular memorial is the Mamayev Kurgan (The Motherland Calls) in Volgograd, Russia.
• Visit the Italian Prisoner of War Church in Cape Town, one of South Africa's many historical sites connected to the Second World War.
• Visit the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg, which has a large collection of artefacts and exhibits related to the Second World War.