SUCCESS PROJECT: RESTORE THE GLORY - PARABAT HISTORY EXHIBITION STAND UNVEILING
- Jun 2
- 6 min read
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On Sunday, 24 May 2026, at the DITSONG National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg,
one of the finest military history museums in the world, we celebrated a truly historic and
deeply moving day for our Airborne fraternity:
the Grand Opening of the new Regiment's Room.
In a moment of perfect timing and decisive action under intense pressure,
SAPMEA secured the very last available exhibition stand,
just before we would have lost this irreplaceable opportunity to showcase our proud history forever.
A huge thank you to veteran Derek Prout Jones for stepping up to
secure our last stand.
First and foremost, I wish to express our profound appreciation and deepest respect to the leadership
and management of the DITSONG National Museum of Military History,
as well as the management of the Regiments Room.
Coming in at the absolute last minute, we were met with incredible grace, flexibility, and unwavering support.
Furthermore, for all the participating Regiments and Associations,
the bond, solidarity, and camaraderie among our units were nothing short of amazing.
It was a powerful reminder of our shared values and mutual respect.
We thank you all for standing shoulder to shoulder with us.
The new Regiment's Room now proudly displays the rich legacy of The SA Paratrooper Veterans (SAPMEA) alongside our distinguished brothers-in-arms.
It was an honour to share this historic space with all the official participants who made this day a reality:
SA Paratrooper Veterans (SAPMEA)
Transvaal Horse Artillery Heritage Trust
Witwatersrand Rifles Heritage Trust
Johannesburg Regiment Association
South African Irish Regimental Association (now the Andrew Mlangeni Regiment)
SA Cape Corps Military Veterans Association (SACCMVA)
Rand Light Infantry Regimental Association
7 Medium Regiment Association
Johannesburg South Regiment Association
South African Special Forces Heritage Foundation
The South African Reserves Trophies Trust
The Freedom of the City of Johannesburg Regiments Association
Transvaal Scottish Regimental Council
32 Battalion Association
Crucially, our own exhibition space captures our complete history, spanning from the historic day 1 Parachute Battalion first opened its doors, all the way to the modern achievements of Operation Restore the Glory.
View and download photos of the Parabat History Exhibition Stand Unveiling:
With the high-level backing of Major General Z.V. Ngcobo, GOC, General Officer Commanding SA Infantry Formation,
we are deeply humbled to have been able to assist our fellow regiments.
When Brigadier General N.A. Nthejane, Chief of Staff of the SA Army Infantry Formation, came out personally
to inspect the Officers Commanding of the South African Irish Regiment (Andrew Mlangeni Regiment)
and the Rand Light Infantry; they graciously agreed to support and hand over
the much-needed regalia and items wanted for the other units.
We are incredibly grateful that we could pull together in such a short period to ensure
these regiments received everything required on time.
As “windgat” as we Parabats are, we showed true Ubuntu by helping fellow veterans,
proving that United we are strong, with no room for egos.
Over 300 distinguished guests and veterans filled the venue.
The Parabats stood out proudly, bringing unmatched energy and spirit.
Our AAPKAS restoration video, celebrating the outdoor exit trainer tower
successfully unveiled this year on 30 April 2026 at 44 Parachute Regiment,
was played on stage beside every speaker.
This was an incredible marketing feat that had heads turning
and hearts swelling with pride.
An exceptional and heartfelt thank you goes to Colonel L.H. Gordon,
Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Regiment,
for his magnificent leadership and unwavering commitment to our cause.
Colonel Gordon not only arranged the loan
of the iconic Parabat Jakkals utility vehicle, which is now being fully restored,
but he also ensured that numerous other vital
and much-needed exhibition items were provided to complete our display.
The exceptional support we have received from our beloved Regiment for Operation Restore the Glory,
driven through the Parabat Heritage Foundation (PHF) and SAPMEA, has been absolutely amazing.
It is a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond between
our serving members and our veteran community.
Special thanks also to Fires van Vuuren for the lightning-fast transport from Bloemfontein
to Willie de Beer and his team for their excellence in record time, and to our dedicated crew:
Mike McWilliams, Steve Camp, Glenn Lambert, Wit Willem Pretorius, Chris Koen,
plus every veteran who made it happen.
Heartfelt appreciation to Colonel Z. Biyela, 2IC of 44 Parachute Regiment,
for representing us from Tempe,
and to our former GOC, Major General H.D. Mashego (Ret), former OC 5 Special Forces Regiment,
who, together with Colonel Biyela, handed over certificates of appreciation to the deserving Paratrooper veterans.
The moment was made even more special when Mr. Lieb Liebenberg led a rousing Paratrooper song that echoed powerfully through the venue, with Maj. Gen. Mashego and our Special Forces brothers joining in with great spirit!
Your stories of courage and sacrifice are now preserved forever so our children, grandchildren, and future generations can visit, enjoy tours, and draw strength from our legacy. This beautiful preservation of our history perfectly mirrors the historic milestone we achieved on 30 April 2026 with the formal unveiling of the refurbished AAPKAS Outdoor Exit Trainer Tower,
which coincided with the 65th Birthday Anniversary of 1 Parachute Battalion.
READ MORE ABOUT THE GREATER VISION AND OTHER EFFORTS:
Our efforts through Operation Restore the Glory are not just about looking backwards.
They are the frontline of a larger, positive vision.
It proves that military veterans, armed with a constructive attitude
and a passion to make a concrete change, can act as a stabilising, transforming force for the future.
The time has come to step up, roll up our sleeves, and do the heavy lifting required to secure our grandchildren's future.
We must leave the empty complaining on social media to others.
Cynicism changes absolutely nothing. Action changes everything.
Get involved, get excited, and let's lead from the front once again.
If you share this passion, possess the skills to contribute, and are ready to stand up for the next generation,
you are warmly welcome to join us at www.gawmtrust.org.
Operation Restore the Glory continues.
United, we are strong. Second to None.
Ex Alto Vincimus.
With sincere appreciation and the greatest respect,
Colonel (Hon.) Raymond C. Kramer
Chairman, SA Paratroopers Museum Exhibition Association (SAPMEA)
Chairman, Parabat Heritage Foundation (PHF)
Project Leader, Operation Restore the Glory
Founder & Trustee, Guardian Angel Wildlife and Marine Trust (GAWMT)
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