WAGGA'S Royal Australian Air Force members celebrated a proud milestone yesterday as they joined the nation for the service's 100 year anniversary.
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RAAF Wagga Base Commander Group Captain Chris Ellison said it was a "privilege" to be a part of the day.
"Today marks 100 years of the service of airmen and airwomen to the defence of our nation," he said.
"I've been in the Air Force for 29 years myself, and attending the ceremony at Government House in Canberra was a particular privilege with the Queen's Colour ceremony."
The Queen's Colour ceremony marked the laying up of the now-old Queen's Colours and the consecration of the new range for the RAAF.
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Group Captain Ellison said the "rare event" brought together all other colours, banners and standards held by units of the Air Force.
"The various colours are usually held at their units in all states and corners of the country," he said.
"It was fantastic to be a part of it, and to continue to be a proud serving member of the service which continues to offer the country so much."
At the event in Canberra, Air Force Director General Air Commodore Andrew Elfverson said the day paid tribute to the 350,000 people who had served in the uniform.
"Those are the shoulders we stand on today and it's important to acknowledge and commemorate that, including the 11,191 people who paid the ultimate sacrifice," he said.
The Queen herself marked the occasion in Surrey on Wednesday, where she sent her "best wishes and congratulations" to the RAAF.
"As one of the oldest air forces in the world, it is fitting to pay tribute to the efficiency, skill and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in its ranks, in Australia and overseas, during the past 100 years," she wrote in a foreword to the order of service.
The Wagga Base still has a few years to go until it reaches its own centennial milestone, celebrating 80 years since first opening as a training base in the city at the start of World War II on July 1 last year.
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