Australian Army 104 years old

Army celebrates birthday
March 01, 2005
From: AAP
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12409850-421,00.html

THE Australian army has celebrated its 104th birthday, remembering those who returned from abroad and those who did not.
As soldiers in Darwin prepare to deploy to Iraq, troops in Canberra, including the Federation Guard, gathered at the army national memorial not far from the Australian War Memorial, for a brief ceremony to mark the occasion.
Army chief Lieutenant General Peter Leahy said the army was one of Australia's oldest institutions and was very proud of its place.
"It is an occasion for celebration sobered by sadness and serious reflection," he said.
"The army has been at the forefront of the struggle to defend Australia and its values in every conflict which threatened us.
"In doing this we have paid a terrible price.
"Over 100,000 young Australians died in war. The overwhelming majority of them were soldiers of the Australian army."
Lt-Gen Leahy said the soldiers of today were worthy inheritors of the Anzac tradition, and a number were preparing for service in Iraq.
They would be following the members of the first and second Australian Imperial Forces who fought in the Middle East and North Africa in two world wars, he said.
"The troops of the 1st Brigade who deploy to Al Muthanna province will be walking in the footprints of giants," Lt-Gen Leahy said.
Opposition defence spokesman Robert McClelland congratulated the army on its birthday, and said Lt-Gen Leahy and his soldiers personified the very best of the Anzac spirit.
"From the frontline in Iraq to hospitals in Aceh, from Duntroon to the mess at Robertson Barracks, Australia has the best army in the world," Mr McClelland said in a statement.
"The Australian army has always risen to every challenge both at home, in our region and all over the world. Their proud history has a special place in the hearts of all our citizens."