During September 2024 the Vereeniging Branch made Branch History with its first lunch for their members outside the traditional Branch boundaries.Major General (Retired) Roland de Vries, SD SM MMM, turned 80 in May 2024 and the Vereeniging Branch took the decision to, due to his long relationship and friendship with the Branch, present him with the octogenarian certificate.
This raised the question on how and where to present the certificate to Roland.In a very special ceremony held on Wednesday, September 4th, the spirit of camaraderie and respect within the Branch was displayed as a few of the Vereeniging Branch members celebrated the birthday of gunner Jan Cronje. The highlight of the event, which was held at Meet at Sea, Glentana, in the Eastern Cape, was the presentation of the octogenarian certificate to Roland. The certificate was presented by fellow Gunner, Wolf Wassermeier.
In addition to Gunner Wolf, and Roland’s wife Henriette, the ceremony was attended by gunners Renier Henning, Jan Cronje, Dave Kriel, Steve Le Roux, Gerri Marais, Arrie Lubbe, Piet Lubbe. Gunner Fritz Stammer also joined the group during the afternoon.