An OPEN INVITATION is extended to all wishing to attend the historical Inauguration of the Viscount Memorial and Commemoration service at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria on Sunday, 2nd September 2012, commencing 11h00 to approximately 12h40.
Undoubtedly, the stature and presentation of this magnificent Memorial renders it to be of the most significant on the entire Property that will be visited by thousands of local and foreign nationals in time, while those who attend the unveiling and Inauguration ceremony will remember this special occasion for the measure of comfort and closure it brings.
The original programme has been amended. There will be a FLY-PAST and the Rhodesian flag will be flown at half mast as a token of National sorrow at the time and which still prevails now subsequent to Rhodesia's 9/11. It will also be the only flag to be hoisted and the Anthem has been replaced by the Hymn 'Abide with Me". Proceedings are designed to be as comforting as possible during the Commemoration and Consecration of the Memorial. Tributes will be paid to honour the 107 Victims and their Relatives who have lived with the trauma of losing their loved ones for so many years, without the privilege of a suitable place to pay homage to the Victims. In addition, tributes will also be paid to the various Military Units for their part in bringing the perpetrators to book. Although this wont bring full closure, it will serve to live a bit better with the pain knowing that justice was served and by having this magnificent Memorial to ensure that THEY SHALL BE REMEMBERED.
For those able to attend, please be aware of the following guide to proceedings.
Dress code: Civilians and Military Veterans: Lounge suit or Association Dress with beret, decorations and medals
Ladies: Hats optional, but recommended for own protection.
MAP: Attached is a map of how to find the Memorial. Please look for signboards marked VISCOUNT posted along the final approaches to the turn-off into the Voortrekker Monument.
Entrance to the Event is free of charge - please stipulate you are attending the Viscount Memorial when arriving at the gate house.
Parking:
Please follow the road after leaving the gate house to arrive at the designated parking area near the Memorial. The car park will be
CLOSED AT 10h50 to avoid late arrivals and disruptions to proceedings.
Flowers and Wreaths:
In order to facilitate correct wreath and flower laying arrangements, you are cordially requested to hand wreaths and flowers in at the Memorial no later than 09h30.
Seating:
Guests are cordially requested to arrive by not later than 10h15 and to be seated by not later than 10h50.
Programme:
A special Commemoration Booklet with the full programme and other information will be provided free of charge and limited to ONE copy per Attendee's only. Please RSVP 'booklet' to
[email protected] no later than 12h00, Friday 31st August 2012.
Additional booklets can be ordered by the public @ R25 per copy excluding postage.
Tea / Coffee and light refreshments are available from the Avocado Restaurant at own cost.
A buffet lunch is available at own cost at the Monument's Restaurant situated in the Amphitheatre.
To book, please contact: Chris Van Dyk at 082 552 3300.
Enquiries: Bronwyn Grey at 082 780 5475 or
[email protected]