Soldiers of the 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment preparing for today’s march.
Photo by
Andrew Mole
The Australian Army’s 3rd/4th Cavalry Regiment, led by its commanding officer Major Jordynne Winsor marched through Tongala this afternoon to the beat of the Kyabram P-12 College drum group.
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Following in the wake of one of its AUSLAV’s (an eight-wheeled light armoured vehicle) as part of the annual Service of Commemoration for the Fallen at the town’s National War Memorial for Cavalry for Vietnam.
A contingent of 44 soldiers took part in the march, along with veterans, school children and other vehicles.
Memorial co-ordinator Michael Thomson said the army continued to be “incredibly supportive” of the service, and to have such a big turnout of troops and another significant vehicle, following the appearance last year of and Abrams M1A2 tank, with its massive 120mm gun.
The 3rd Cavalry Regiment Association’s Dallas Burrage helped Tongala Primary School student conduct the service and confirmed – military hardware aside – the “most exciting thing about this year, and increasingly every year, is the growing involvement of local schoolchildren in our service”.
“With all our Vietnam veterans getting older — they are all into their late 70s and beyond — it will be these children who will carry the torch for us and we appreciate that involvement so much,” he said.
“They have been with us all along. Even through COVID-19 when we couldn’t come, on hot days and cold, the students made sure the service continued and sent us videos. It was so touching and so deeply welcomed.
Kyabram P-12 student Nate Damon with a wreath he laid at today’s service.
Photo by
Andrew Mole
“This year we had a big crowd at the lunch in the Tongala Hotel before the service, plus soldiers from Puckapunyal, and that was also a good turnout.”
Trooper Rieley Ward talking to Tongala students at today’s service.
Photo by
Andrew Mole
Mr Burrage said when they formed the association in 1992, he and the other organisers were adamant it involve the local schools.
He said the Tongala memorial was now an integral part of the community and the whole concept was being embraced by the years of primary school students who had already been involved.
“We’ve never had any problems there, and I believe that reflects what the service and the legacy now also means to a lot of people here, not just the veterans,” Mr Burrage said.
“Now we are also being encouraged by the military itself, they suddenly seem to be getting very interested, and we hope to expand both that connection and our school program.”
