And for the second year in a row, the SS&A Club has been the scene of a serious assault with a patron glassed in the face.

It followed an incident in 2016 where a soldier had to have titanium plates and pins inserted in his jaw after being punched and elbowed multiple times.

A second Defence Force member was also hit.

Graham Docksey said those seen drinking at the monument had exercised “very, very poor judgement”.

“I would have thought there would be more respect across the community for what the veterans have allowed them to do, the freedom in this country,” he said.

“I think it’s inappropriate what they’ve done.

“The monument is sacred.

“I say that because the Albury community raised the funds to build the memorial in the first place.

“It’s therefore a community asset.”

The Vietnam War veteran said it was up to everyone to respect the day and act appropriately. 

“Don’t use it as just an excuse for a day to get out on the grog,” he said.

“Enjoy the freedoms that we’ve got.

“Enjoy one of the best countries in the world.”

Mr Docksey said all venues needed to ensure responsible service of alcohol laws were enforced. 

SS&A Club president Gerard Darmody said the glassing at the venue, which occurred about 11.30pm, was an “unfortunate incident”.

The venue will look at the procedures in place during the annual commemoration.

“We will be discussing that in due course,” he said.

“The matter is still under investigation by police.

“We will have a chat about that.”

The 23-year-old glassing victim was taken to Albury Hospital with large cuts to his face.

He received stitches but was not admitted for further treatment. 

A 30-year-old Thurgoona man will front court next week on a charge of reckless wounding.

Mr Darmody said the venue had about 1000 people in attendance at its peak. 

“Everything worked extremely well considering the number of people we had in the venue,” he said. 

“Unfortunately there was one incident towards the end of the day, which has been highlighted.”