PRETORIA - Remembrance day began as a way to mark the end of the 1st world war in 1918.
"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."
The haunting words of the Ode of Remembrance will be recited around the world as we mark Armistice Day.
It commemorates the end of World War One and the Members of the Tin Hat who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Around 12-thousand South Africans from all races died in the Great War.
Retired Admiral, Rusty Higgs, spoke to eNCA reporter, Naomi Kobbie, about the significance of the celebration and the role that the military play in a democratic state like the Republic of South Africa.
"The military are the people who underpin our democracy. They must be role models in society, in everyway that they can. They are the people who must ensure that people are comfortable an understand and believe in our democracy."
A wreath laying ceremony is being held at the Thaba Tshwane Cemetery in Pretoria.