The village of Stockinbingal came out in force to support our troops at their new war memorial on Tuesday.
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More than 300 people amassed at the new tribute as member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson officially unveiled the $59,000 monument.
War memorial committee vice-president Marj Brown, who was wearing her father’s medals at the ceremony, said it was an emotional moment.
“I’m pretty tough, but it brought tears to my eyes,” Mrs Brown said. She thanked Jacqui Vincent for all her efforts in bringing the concept to life.
It was the first Anzac Day service at the village for at least a decade.
Ms Hodgkinson said the wall was one of the most beautiful she had seen.
“It’s truly striking,” she said.
The catafalque party had to stand through driving rain through much of the service, which included a stirring address from Major General The Honourable Justice Paul Le Gay, who told stories about some of the people listed on the memorial.
Stockinbingal Public School captains Hayley Bowditch and Adam Mayor recited a prayer for the nation and a prayer of thanksgiving.
The rain relented for the sounding of the Last Post, which echoed across Britannia Street.
The memorial in King George V Park has been paid for via a grant secured from the state government by the Cootamundra RSL.