Congratulations to Grey High on its Cadet Day parade

I HAD the undoubtable privilege to be invited to the Grey High School annual Cadet Day on August 12, where the marching band and cadets executed the retreat ceremony. The modern day retreat originated in the 16th century when it was referred to as guard mounting.

The drum major of the regiment would summon, by the beat of the drum, those required for guard duty. This has evolved over time to the present day ceremony of beating the retreat with a guard of honour forming up and dividing into four sections, with the band formed on the spectators' right.

The band and drums then perform by marching up and down in front of the guard. The national anthem is played in honour of the national flag and all in uniform salute, while the guard present arms, paying respect by proffering their weapons in unison, as a token of trust and homage.

As the retreat is sounded by the trumpets, the flag is slowly lowered. This is followed by a march past the podium, first "slow march", then "quick step" and a salute as the podium is passed by each section.

It was heartening to see a sprinkling of ex-servicemen, mostly decorated veterans of all arms of the service and mostly Moths or Prince Alfred's Guard Comrades Association in attendance, to honour this superlative display by the Grey High School cadet detachment. Congratulations to the school's rector, and especially Lt Anton Scholtz, who prepared the parade and Sean Lyon, who trained the military band.

On a sadder note, surely more ex-Grey members who served could have attended the parade, to honour their alma mater at this auspicious occasion?

I see it made the front page picture of The Herald on August 14. To view a large selection of photos of the parade taken by freelance photographer Ivor Markman, go to Facebook and log into "Prince Alfred's Guard Comrades Association".

Colonel (retired) Ralph van Niekerk, Port Elizabeth