26 AUGUST — BOSHOED DAG ( Bush Hat Day )
SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS REMEMBER
This 26 August, South African military veterans living in Australia and around the world will pause to commemorate Boshoed Dag — Bush Hat Day.
But what is Boshoed Dag, and why does 26 August hold such significance for South African veterans?
On 26 August 1966, South African security forces clashed with SWAPO insurgents at Ongulumbashe in what was then South West Africa, now Namibia. The event is widely recognised as the beginning of what South Africans came to know as the Border War or Bush War — a conflict that would continue for more than 23 years.
For a generation of South Africans, military service became part of their lives. Some were national servicemen, others permanent force members or volunteers, and people from different backgrounds served during those years.
Many eventually returned home, built families and careers, and — like so many veterans around the world — carried the friendships, experiences and memories of their service with them.
Some never came home.
That is why, sixty years after 26 August 1966, we remember.
The Boshoed, once simply a familiar piece of military kit, has become a symbol through which veterans can reconnect with those memories and with one another.
Boshoed Dag is not about celebrating war.
It is a day to pause.
To acknowledge service.
To remember the people who stood beside us.
To remember friends and comrades who are no longer here.
And to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In 2026, the South African Military Veterans Organisation is marking the 60th anniversary with veterans and communities participating across South Africa, Australia and around the world.
We invite our fellow Australian veterans, friends and families to watch our short film — HONOUR & SHARE.
SHORT FILM : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VlHFcM3gJE
To our fellow veterans here in Australia — whatever uniform we once wore and wherever we served, the bonds of service, mateship, loss and remembrance are things we understand.
26 August 2026 — Boshoed Dag (Bush Hat Day)
Honour. Remember. Share.
Lest We Forget.
We Will Remember Them.
#BoshoedDag #BHD2026 #SAMVO #SouthAfricanVeterans #AustralianVeterans #Veterans #HonourAndShare #Remembrance #LestWeForget
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