SOLDIERS returning home to Wodonga from World War I were met with a proud community.
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That pride was evident in gatherings staged by the Wodonga Shire Council to honour the diggers.
Each soldier received a large certificate recording the "admiration and appreciation" of the shire's president, councillors and ratepayers for the fighter's "gallant conduct".
The Wodonga Historical Society has two in its collection, but is seeking more as the centenary of the Great War continues to be marked.
Society member Jim Parker, whose father Samuel was shire president when soldiers were honoured in 1919, estimates there could be 100 certificates.
"It's part of our history, if we let that go no bugger will know anything about it," Mr Parker said.
"Once that goes, what happens then?"
The two certificates in the society's possession were presented to Sapper William Quick and Private Arthur Stevenson.
The former was a single clerk, 21, when he embarked on the SS Indarra in November 1917 and later became part of engineer squadrons.
The latter was an unmarried machine agent, 27, at the time he left Australia with the 14th Infantry Battalion in December, 1914.
Both Sapper Quick and Private Stevenson were honoured with their council certificates on August 4, 1919.
Signed by Samuel Parker and shire secretary Rose Murphy they featured the flags of six World War I allies.
Those who can help with certificates can visit the society in South Street from 1pm to 3pm Wednesdays.
