Reserves day flagged

Symbols of service: Flags of all the nations in which Australian reserve forces have served were paraded by members of the Australian Army Cadet Corps at the launch of Reserve Forces Day 2006. Photo by Phil Barling

By LCDR Mick Gallagher

ARMY personnel recently paraded at the historic Victoria Barracks in Sydney for the launch of Reserve Forces Day (RFD) 2006.

The parade included reservists who had served overseas in Timor, Somalia, Banda Aceh and the Middle East.

At the launch, CDF Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston acknowledged the contribution of reserve members.

“We would not have achieved the success of our operations without our reservists,” ACM Houston said.

RFD 2006 will recognise all reservists as well as civilians and volunteers who have served alongside Defence personnel.

It will also celebrate the 90th anniversary of the formation of the Military Police in 1916 and acknowledge the centenary of the Australian Army Cadets Corps.

National executive officer of the RFD council Lt-Col John Moore (retd) said, “Our aim for 2006 is to acknowledge reservists, including those who have served overseas in any of the peacekeeping, disaster relief and other operations including those who served in Malaysia as part of the Rifle Coy Butterworth.”

Present at the launch was the US Marine Corps Pacific Band from Hawaii, which accompanied the parade then entertained the gathering at the conclusion of formalities.

The major RFD ceremonies and parades will be held throughout Australia on July 2.

For further information on RFD 2006 visit www.rfd.org.au.