Speaking at a memorial at the Voortrekker Monument, veteran Fanie Vosloo said it was a time of great sadness remembering those who paid the ultimate price in carrying out their duties to their country, family, and friends, and that they deserved respect and to be remembered.
Classen was also one of the founders of 1 Parachute Battalion which was established in April 1961. 1 Parachute Battalion is the only full-time paratroop unit of the South African Army. He added that members of 1 Para Battalion and 44 Parachute Brigade had participated in around 80 operations from 1975 to 1988 and only lost 44 parabats in action. 44 Parachute Regiment was created in 2000 from elements of 44 Parachute Brigade.
As part of the memorial service, veteran Chris Pohl, read the full roll of honour. Among the fallen were not only those who saw service outside South Africa’s borders in Angola and CAR.Adding emphasis to the acts of remembrance, Willoughby Brits, President of the Pretoria Canopy of the Parabat Veterans Organisation, announced plans to finally repatriate the remains of one of their own – Andries Human – over 40 years after he went missing in Angola.