Veterans unite in George

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GEORGE NEWS - Pots and pots of scrumptious potjiekos were bubbling away on Saturday 9 October during a potjiekos competition of the united Military Veterans.

Proud members of the 13 participating units travelled from as far as Gauteng and areas surrounding the Garden Route to join the 200-strong attendance with 16 different potjiekos recipes.

This successful competition was arranged and supported by George Moth Shellhole in the region.

"Finding words to formulate the day's success in connecting with old friends and acquaintances is very difficult," said Wee Bill, Pieter Viljoen. "Gratitude for this initiative and participation has been echoed, including those unselfish contributions by sponsors and interested parties. Saturday was an exceptional day and a day to remember and talk about for many moons to come."

Lukas Du Preez on the accordian. Du Preez recently pulled many a heartstring when he played his accordian outside the Life Bay View Private Hospital in Mossel Bay while his wife, Marinda, was fighting Covid. Unfortunately she passed away. Photo: Kristy Kolberg

The event was created to bring together military veterans from different disciplines and to remember the past, celebrate the present and find hope for the future.

"It has to be one of the greatest moments in veteran history," said Viljoen.

Photo gallery: Potjiekos competition of the united Veteran Brotherhood

A traditional Moth Wake on the day was topped with an aircraft fly-past doing a Missing Man salute for the fellow comrades and members who passed away recently.

Another highlight was the announcement of the potjie winner: the springbok pot made by Rob Drummond of the South African Air Force Association (Saafa).

Units that participated were Moth Outeniqua George, Albatros Knysna, Mesca, Redfern Sedgefield, Blaize Away Mossel Bay, Motorbike Association, 61 Mechanised Veterans, Recce Veterans, Parabat F Komp 44BIN, SA Infantry Association, SA Defence Force Association, SA Airforce Association and Adventure on Map George.

Some of the participants gathering for a Moths salute during the event.
Photos: Kristy Kolberg