Veterans from every corner of Australia will converge on Tongala on Thursday, October 23, for the Annual Service of Commemoration of the Fallen, held at the Cavalry Memorial on Mangan St.
From 1.15pm veterans and their families will solemnly march from the Tongala Pub towards the memorial, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.
The 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment from Puckapunyal will be in attendance with soldiers and vehicles on the day.
Michael Thompson, an honorary life member of the association, emphasised the service's uniqueness, noting that Tongala hosts the one of the few memorials dedicated specifically to cavalry members who served in Vietnam.
Student leaders from Tongala and St Patrick’s Primary Schools will lead the service, continuing a tradition that Mr Thompson believes preserves the legacy.
“I think it’s important they are there - there’s an education purpose, and it’s something (students) take quite a lot of pride in doing,” he said.
He warmly invites all community members to attend the service, not only to honour the veterans, but also to show support for the students' dedication.
“The more we encourage (students), the more they’re going to give back and remember.”
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