The exceptional men and women who, through many generations, made great sacrifices for the ideals in which they believed played an important role in bringing together those who share the same values and ideals.
For this reason, every nation has the right, and also the duty, to commemorate its past – which created a unique and special cultural home for each nation.
On 16 December, the Afrikaner commemorates the Day of the Vow (“Geloftedag”) to pay homage to all the heroes who made their mark on its history and thus moulded the Afrikaner.
Those who put their lives on the line at Blood River to ensure a better future for the coming generations are honoured in particular today, but so is every other person who helped to build a better future.
For the Afrikaner, the Day of the Vow is not a day created by some government or political party.
A holy vow is commemorated and honoured on this day, and no government can dictate how much value the Afrikaner may ascribe to it.
It is government’s full right to choose to celebrate reconciliation on this day. The Afrikaner has never been opposed to reconciliation with other nations in South Africa.
Likewise, it is the Afrikaner’s constitutional right to celebrate and commemorate its culture. So, whatever the official name may be, it remains a significant day to be honoured by the descendants of the Voortrekkers.
On this day, one realises once again that the past, present and future are inextricably linked. Just like yesterday’s heroes, today’s leaders are also paving the way for the generations to come.
At present, South Africa is facing many challenges and threats, but we must keep putting our faith in the Heavenly Father – just like the Voortrekkers did on this day in 1838.
Read the original article in Afrikaans by Dr Pieter Groenewald on FF Plus
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