BATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2009

RESERVE FORCES DAY (Sydney)(Summary)This RF Day was a “new” format in that it was aparade in the Domain and not a street march downMacquarie Street.The day was a beautiful, crisp winter morning witha fresh breeze blowing.All Associations’ Banners were assembled in theirown area and kept as a separate identity from theStandards.All the Associations’ Standards were also in theirown separate area for the troops to “Form Up” behindand march on parade when the order was given.The VIP dais was situated on the centre (rear) lineof a large rectangular Parade Ground with all theDignitaries, including the “39ers”, seated behind thedais.Everyone was treated to some very stirring, andfamous, wartime tunes played by the Royal ArtilleryAssociation and 23 Field Regiment Bands prior to thecommencement of the parade.Another added touch was the female soloist whosang “I still call Australia home” and the NationalAnthem—just great.The bands were basically stationed in the centre ofthe Parade Ground facing the dais—they weredressed immaculately and there marching drills wereoutstanding. They helped make the Parade awonderful success.Then, at a given drum beat signal, all theAssociations’ Banners marched onto, and around theedge of the Parade Ground and took up their allottedlocations on the perimeter of the Parade Ground.While the Banner Parties were marching to theirrespective positions, all the troops were being called“On Parade”, which was in a large area at the rear ofthe Parade Ground. It was mainly out of sight of theDignitaries and invited “39ers” and their guests.What an amazing spectacle it was to witness allthe massed bands march the Colours “On Parade” andOur Members "On Parade" with Banner in background.13