IT’S vital not to forget the women behind the war soldiers.

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That was one of the sentiments at the Anzac Day commemoration in Walla at the weekend.

Lyneen Merkel and Elizabeth Buffon dressed as World War I nurses and marched behind members of Red Cross Walla branch.

Ms Buffon works as a nurse and said those in war had an important role.

“They played a huge part in the war taking care of the wounded,” Ms Buffon said.

“They worked in horrific conditions.

“I can’t imagine what they worked under and the amount of casualties they saw.

“It’s just too hard to comprehend what they went through.”

Ms Merkel sewed the aprons, white veils and red capes, which were clasped around the neck with an Anzac badge.

Red Cross Walla branch member Gloria Feuerherdt has been with the organisation for 70 years.

And while the 92-year-old wasn’t there for World War I, she still knew of what the Red Cross gave.

“They did a lot of sewing and knitting and sent food parcels,” she said.

Mrs Feuerherdt said while remembering the soldiers, it was also important to reflect on what happened behind the scenes.

“There was a lot of support going on back home,” she said.

Mrs Feurherdt’s uncle David Wenke was also one of the soldiers in the great war.

“Anzac Day means a lot to me because I think about the sacrifice the men made,” she said.

“I also think of the families.

“My uncle never talked about it but I don’t think anybody did.

“I just feel privileged that I am here for the centenary.”

To mark the commencement of the march an air raid sounded and military planes flew overhead and boots simultaneously trudged through the water and mud.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the Anzac Day march, which included students from Walla Walla Public School, Walbundrie Public School and St Paul’s College.