In a heart-warming initiative aimed at supporting those who have selflessly served their nation, the Veterans Aid Fund (VAF), a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to assisting former national servicemen, launched its Veterans in Need campaign in Bloemfontein on 25 September, with an event in Kroonstad the very next day.
Veterans from various units gathered and reminisced about their service days in the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The event in Kroonstad began in a church hall at 10:00. The atmosphere was set by the beloved military song “Tweejaar” being sung by well-known actor, singer and director Philip Moolman. The gathering also featured a touching meditation delivered by Pieter van Niekerk and a toast by Johan de Beer to welcome all veterans.
Quintus Smalman, director of the VAF, took to the stage to share the NPO’s mission and vision. The purpose of the day, he stated, was to honour and celebrate the lives of veteran national servicemen while outlining the fund’s objectives with a focus on emergency relief for veterans in need. He emphasised the importance of donors in making the event and future relief efforts possible, stating that “a country without her soldiers would be like God without his angels,” and stressed the vital role every veteran played during their national service, regardless of the corps they served in.
Col Luke Enslin addressed pressing security conditions in the country, emphasising vigilance in using digital platforms. His words resonated deeply, as veterans acknowledged the need for caution in the face of crime and financial exploitation.
Throughout the day, veterans shared their experiences and anecdotes, leading to laughter and touching moments. Winning prizes were awarded, and a male veterans’ choir, alongside Moolman, sang well-known Afrikaans songs.
Besides being a day of celebration and connection, the event conducted a needs assessment. The VAF successfully gathered around 30 veterans, most of whom were veterans in need, ensuring they received the support and care they deserved.
Lunch was served and Liz Bouwer, chief financial officer (CFO) of the VAF, distributed R500 grocery vouchers.
As the event concluded, the spirit of unity and camaraderie shone through.
