Minister Anroux Marais' speech at the Noon Day Gun centenary ceremony

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPORT, ANROUX MARAIS

NOON DAY GUN CENTENARY SPEECH

14 MAY 2018

Good morning, goeiedag, molweni nonke,

Today, we are gathered to remember the significance of the Noon Day Gun as we commemorate the centenary of the introduction of the two minutes of silence, which originally was 3 minutes, in memory of the Cape Town Mayor of the time, Mr Harry Hands’ late son.

For 100 years, the Noon Day Gun has become a part of Capetonian’s daily lives but how many are actually aware of the significance underlying its occurrence? Today, as we commemorate the centenary of the first occasion the Noon Day Gun was fired, we raise awareness on our historical heritage and honour and remember those who have gone before us while shaping the world we live in today. Today, we pay respect to all those who lost their lives for a greater cause, regardless of culture or creed.

As Cape Town marks 100 years since the start of this daily short solemn ceremony, let us take this opportunity to be mindful of those who died in many conflicts and wars that have claimed a number of fellow South African lives. Let us reflect on their causes and legacies and how each one of us have and will continue to play an active role in the progress of Cape Town and its people.

I leave you with the words of Robert Penn Warren, “History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves and our common humanity, so that we can better face the future”. 

I thank you.