A SAMPLE of Snowy Monaro family history was on display at the Snowy Monaro Council Chambers in Berridale last week to honour and recognise past defence force personnel from the region.

In the lead-up to ANZAC Day council installed this fascinating military exhibition in partnership with the Snowy River Historical Society and Berridale Science and Heritage Centre.

The presentation included photos and letters sent home to local families and informative talks by local historians.

A morning tea was hosted by council which was attended by community members and Berridale Public School students.

Those who attended the exhibition over the course of the day were able to immerse themselves in local history to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Australia and the Australian way of life.

The event also provided an opportunity to view the Men from Snowy River Memorial Book, commemorating local servicemen from the Snowy region.

Council’s Berridale office is the proud custodian of the Men from Snowy River Memorial book. The original book is kept behind glass, but a copy is available to read during council business hours.

Berridale Public School years 4, 5 and 6 students attended the exhibition.

“Students were very engaged in learning about local history, finding family members and trying some of the equipment and clothing such as hats and gloves,” principal, Janene Petersen, said.

“They were amazed at the resilience of these soldiers and how far they walked.

“Engaging with local history gives our students a sense of belonging in their local community too, so we are really pleased to have been invited to the exhibition,” Ms Petersen said.

Part of the display included around 40 handmade individual tributes made by Navy veteran and Snowy River Historical Society member, Marion Carson, commemorating those soldiers who feature in the Men from Snowy River Memorial book.

“I thought it would be nice to have tea lights under all the trees at the Berridale memorial,” Ms Carson said.

“I started to make these tributes using the boards recently removed from the floor of Saint Mary’s Gegedzerick Church and placed the little lights on each of the small pieces of board.

“Then I thought maybe they need some names as well so I added names and photos. Hopefully, all these will be lit underneath the trees on the eve of ANZAC Day and for the ANZAC Day dawn service.

“The trees are special and were planted in the 1920s by a local school teacher and students, who dug the holes. At the time there were ceremonies for each tree planting, which represented families - some of the trees were planted for more than one family member, it could be cousins or brothers of those who went to war.”