Local contractor Thomas Bartleson completed the memorial in 1925 with his son, John, being killed in action at Pozieres only a year after he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915, aged 18.

John is among those recognised in the memorial redevelopment with a plaque in one of the newly created features.

Later this month his name will also be inscribed onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

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The pending honour was revealed by the master of ceremonies Nigel Horne as part of the official opening of the $1.35 million memorial upgrade yesterday.

The ceremony began with piper Roger Buck leading off the official party consisting of Albury RSL sub-branch president Graham Docksey, member for Albury Justin Clancy, Albury mayor Kevin Mack and RSL chaplain Alan Kelb on a walk around the updated memorial.

Diane McKie sang the national anthem and Eternal Father hymn and The Rouse was performed by bugler, Verity Cotter.

Father Kelb blessed plaques honouring the fallen with another key featuring being the creation of alcoves dedicated to wars Australian troops have been involved in.

There are presently two vacant alcoves, but one will be dedicated to the ongoing War in Afghanistan.

"For the last one we hope there won't be a need to put up a plaque," Mr Docksey said.

"But we live in a real world and unfortunately we will get caught up in something else."

Mr Docksey said he was thrilled with the finished product with the installation of plaques the last significant part of the project.

Their arrival from China was delayed by COVID.

"It has exceeded (expectations) without a doubt," he said.

"I don't think there would be anyone that would say it has been anything other than an outstanding result.

"It is here for ever and a day now.

"When visitors come here they need to know the full story."

Mr Clancy said the memorial was a significant part of Albury's history.

"May this memorial, for many years to come, continue to be for us, the people of Albury, that symbol of loss and grief, but also a symbol of that sacrifice and remembrance," he said.

"We remember Gunner John Henry Bartleson, we remember a grieving family, who lost a son, we remember all who have served this country."

Cr Mack said the memorial works had made a "big statement" to the community.

"We're very impressed and very proud of it," he said.