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Army celebrates 106 glorious years
By Cpl Andrew Hetherington

Volume 11, No. 61, March 08, 2007
 
Festive: Band member LCpl Steve Carter and CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy share a joke at Army’s birthday.
 
On parade: Federation guard members strut their stuff at Army’s 106th birthday celebrations in Canberra.
Photos by Cpl Andrew Hetherington
A MOOD of celebration and reflection prevailed at a service in Blamey Square, Canberra, to mark the Army’s 106th birthday on March 1.

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy told the assembled soldiers that they had much to celebrate.

“We are one of the nation’s oldest and most revered institutions. We hold a special place in our nation’s consciousness and we are all proud to wear the slouch hat and rising sun badge,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.

“We are the custodians of our most cherished national narrative – the Anzac legend. The digger legend is now inextricably linked to how Australians think of themselves; irreverent, good-humoured, suspicious of authority and pomposity and always willing to help a mate.”

He said while soldiers were proud of the way their mates were performing with courage and distinction in the field, the anniversary was also a time “for sombre reflection”.

“In diverse theatres from East Timor and the Solomon Islands to Afghanistan and Iraq, soldiers of the Australian Army are directly in harm’s way,” he said.

During the service, Army Principal Chaplain Russell Mutzelburg led the crowd in prayer to acknowledge members of the Army who had served and fallen in the line of duty.

“We gather today to … thank God for the men and women who have served in the Australian Army in the past 106 years,” he said.

“To recall those who have died as a result of their service, to acknowledge those who currently serve and rededicate ourselves to the service of our nation.”

The event ended with a barbecue and the cutting of a birthday cake.

LCpl Steve Carter, Army Band Duntroon, said it was terrific to be a part of the Army.

“It is great, I love the work, and I love my unit. It is great to be a part of the Army, I get to be a musician and serve the country at the same time,” he said.

Pte Simeon Turk from Directorate of Logistics Army Head Quarters shared the cake cutting duties with the CA, said at the moment it was very exciting to be a part of the Army.