We celebrate all these other events but have never observed the formation of RAAF Airfield Defence.

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There have been many of us under different titles, wearing different uniforms, carrying different weapons - but we all have served on the ground to ensure the RAAF has air power and is able to take the fight to the skies.

I was told in a letter by the Defence Minister a few years ago that the airfield defence community does not celebrate our formation, history, or the fallen. I was told that our tradition is the formation of the RAAF.

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I find this very sad.

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We must take hold of our past and accept what has happened - the good and the bad. We need to celebrate the successes that we have had in peace and war and remember our errors so we do not repeat them.

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Our force, the idea of protecting the RAAF on the ground, is now in the hands of the young men and women in our units. We should be proud to call them family.

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We are all part of the 94 years of history. From the idea handed to the Chief on 23 August 1929 to the formation of SECFOR Sqns and to the changes in the future, we have always protected the eagles.

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Let's hope next year there is a more significant celebration.

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Happy birthday RAAF airfield defence.

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94 years young and still protecting the RAAF on the ground.