The community pride was evident at Sunday's Anzac Day service in the town — with more than 100 people flocking to the march and service.
There were a few bumps and stops along the way, but nothing the war veterans or community members weren’t used to.
And the slight delay to the march was worth waiting for — with World War II veteran Bob Dawson making his way from Tongala Aged Care especially for the service.
The 100-year-old was part of the 2/108 Transport Company and was in Balikpapan in Borneo when the war ended.
“I’m glad and proud to be here,” he said, as his son Peter Dawson walked him along in his wheelchair for the march.
“Thank you for coming.”
Following the march, young and old sat side by side at Tongala Shire Hall honouring those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for war.
Tongala RSL sub-branch’s Ron ‘Spud’ Florence kept the ceremony ticking along as MC, with readings and speeches from students at Tongala’s primary schools and the Girl Guides, and songs sung by River Voices.
Guest speaker was Greg Rossborough, who spoke about his family’s history in World War I.
His father’s uncle Richard Rossborough fought at Gallipoli in 1915, with the 5th Australian Scottish Regiment.
He was wounded in action and returned on active service in September 1916 before being killed in action by an enemy attack. He is buried in a cemetery in Belgium.
“Dad’s grandparents were naturally devastated by his death, so much so that they can attribute the early demise of his grandmother to her grief and suffering,” he said.
Greg's dad, Fred, fought in the 2/24th Australian Infantry Battalion; sent overseas in February 1943 where he continually served until the end of the war.
His mum, Rita, was also in the AWARS (Australian Women’s Armed Services) and was a sergeant in the Postal Unit where she ensured the mail was delivered overseas to the diggers.
“It was only recently that I discovered my mum was assigned as a bodyguard to (former First Lady) Eleanor Roosevelt, who made frequent visits to Australia. She was sworn to secrecy and took this to her grave,” he said.
“I cannot stress the importance of speaking with your grandparents, your aunties, your uncles, your brothers and sisters to document any experiences they’ve had in the armed forces because some of the World War II fellas aren’t going to be around for much longer, so it’s important we get all this information.”
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