Army Banner replaced in colourful ceremony
Tess Ikonomou
THE Australian Army Banner was retired in a ceremony at the Army Recruit Training Centre on Sunday.
The ceremony held in the Blamey Barracks Soldiers Chapel, marked the end of service for the banner, which was presented to the Army as a gift from the nation in 2001.
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr said the ceremony was important to recognise the history and traditions represented by the banner.
“I can think of no more appropriate place to lay up the retired Army Banner than here at Kapooka, the home of the soldier,” Lieutenant General Burr said.
“The banner represents the history and contributions of our people, from our beginning in 1901 through to today.
“We acknowledge our history that has set the foundation for our people to lead, inspire and make a difference.
“The banner embodies our Army values of courage, initiative, respect and teamwork. Recruits who go through training at Kapooka will now have a visual reminder of our extensive history and traditions.”
The Army Banner is never destroyed or disposed of. As part of historic military tradition the banner is laid up during a military ceremony and then displayed in a sacred or public place.
The Australian Army, on the occasion of its 118th birthday on March 1 this year received a new banner to replace the retiring banner.
The new banner was presented to the Army on behalf of the nation by the-then GovernorGeneral Sir Peter Cosgrove, AK, MC (Retd), and Corporal Dan Keighran, VC, in a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.