Sunday, July 1 marked the final day of the Australian Reserve Forces commemoration in Wagga and around the country.
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Reserve Forces Day first held its Riverina march in 2007, continuing its annual event however Sunday was the final ceremony to celebrate the reserve forces in Wagga.
The ceremony was held in the Victory Memorial Gardens and was opened to all serving ex Australian Defence Force reservists and national servicemen to honour the past comrades and support the Anzac centenary.
The chairman of the Riverina Reserve Forces Council, John Ploenges said with “regret” that Sunday marked the last services to be conducted by the committee in Wagga and services nationally.
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The day acknowledged the present day service with the ADF at home and overseas, in the interests of the national security.
Wagga’s Mayor, Greg Conkey said this was a “special service” for the many servicemen in attendance and those who have trained and served in Wagga.
“In keeping with the celebration of the centenary of Anzac, the focus of today is on the battles on the Western Front, particularly on the Battle of Hamel, in 1918,” Cr Conkey said.
“We acknowledge, commemorate and remember the citizens of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina who were engaged and served with distinction in that battle.”
Cr Conkey said Wagga has always been a “proud defence force city”, with all three arms of the Australian Defence Force to receive training.
”Many members on their retirement have returned to this city and are continuing to make a significant contribution to the fabric of this city,” he said.
Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack were also in attendance.
