As the bugler played The Last Post, and as the Victoria Cross recipients walked along shaking the hands of the men lined up on the field, the pride was palpable.

Despite his nerves no one would have felt more pride on the day than the event’s co-ordinator, Rick Meehan.

For the past 18-months he has planned, conversed, negotiated and called in every favour to create a way to mark the centenary of the Anzacs landing at Gallipoli, in a way that hadn’t been done before.

He was able to bring together Victoria Cross recipients from around the world to attend the Digger Day game as well as a ball on Saturday night. They were events enveloped in tradition and ceremony.

For a region where the military makes up such a large part of the population, Mr Meehan’s efforts struck a chord with many.

He was rightly proud of what he and those who helped him created. It not only shone a light on the history of rugby in the Shoalhaven, but also on our historic links to the military.

Mr Meehan was encouraged by his mentor, Australia’s oldest surviving Victoria Cross recipient, Keith Payne AM, to host the event.

“He has attended functions around the world and when he said I had done well, and that he was proud of me, that praise meant a lot,” Mr Meehan said.

“We have two naval bases in the Shoalhaven, we have a long history with the defence forces and showcasing that to the public is important to me.

“For them to see it up close like in the ceremony at the rugby adds to it.

“Even the chief of navy, Vice Admiral Timothy Barrett attended, and we had his praise and appreciation, which was something special for me.”

On Sunday night, Mr Meehan was exhausted after hosting the largest event of his life. 

It was a success on so many levels. It will be an event that will go down in the annals of history.

Congratulations Mr Meehan on a job well done.