Pretoria National Cemetery in Pretoria, South Africa is a solemn and peaceful place. Established in 1902, the cemetery is the final resting place of many of the nation’s heroes and veterans. It is a place of remembrance, and a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who have served their country. Here are 10 things to do when visiting Pretoria National Cemetery.
1. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is a memorial to the thousands of South African soldiers who died in battle during World War I and World War II. The tomb is located in the center of the cemetery and is surrounded by a wall of remembrance.
2. Visit the graves of South African soldiers who died in the Boer War. This war was fought between the British and the Boers from 1899 to 1902. The graves of the fallen soldiers are marked with a cross and a plaque with their name.
3. Pay your respects at the grave of General Jan Smuts. General Jan Smuts was a South African statesman and soldier who served in both World Wars. He is buried in the cemetery, along with his wife and son.
4. Visit the grave of Prime Minister Louis Botha. Prime Minister Louis Botha was the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa in 1910. He is buried in the cemetery, along with his wife and children.
5. Visit the grave of Field Marshall Piet Cronje. Field Marshall Piet Cronje was a Boer leader who led the Boer forces during the Second Boer War. He is buried in the cemetery, along with his wife and children.
6. Visit the grave of General Jan Christian Smuts. General Jan Christian Smuts was a South African statesman and soldier who served in both World Wars. He is buried in the cemetery, along with his wife and children.
7. Visit the grave of Prime Minister Jan Smuts. Prime Minister Jan Smuts was the second Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa in 1919. He is buried in the cemetery, along with his wife and children.
8. Visit the grave of General Louis Botha. General Louis Botha was a South African statesman and soldier who served in both World Wars. He is buried in the cemetery, along with his wife and children.
9. Visit the grave of Field Marshall Jan Smuts. Field Marshall Jan Smuts was a South African statesman and soldier who served in both World Wars. He is buried in the cemetery, along with his wife and children.
10. Visit the Pretoria National Cemetery Museum. The museum is located in the cemetery and provides visitors with an insight into the history of the cemetery and the people buried there. The museum also houses a collection of artifacts from the Boer War, World War I and World War II.
Visiting Pretoria National Cemetery is a great way to pay respects to the fallen heroes of South Africa and to learn more about the country’s history. The cemetery is a peaceful and somber place and is a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who have served their country.