But the pile of dried up and decaying wreaths and floral tributes tucked behind a wall at the entrance to the Nowra Showground is more than just forgotten – it seems neglected.

And it has stirred up concern among members of Nowra’s ex-service community.

The wreaths were laid at the Nowra War Memorial during Anzac Day services, but were later removed and with ribbons and cards still attached were piled up behind a fence forming part of the memorial gates to the showground.

Vietnam veteran Clyde Poulton was dismayed by the sight of the discarded memorial tributes to fallen service personnel, and hoped the wreaths were piled in place as just a temporary measure while awaiting collection.

He said the RSL sub-branch was responsible for disposing of the wreaths and tributes.

However Nowra-Greenwell Point RSL Sub-branch president Arthur Walsh said the person who normally disposed of the wreaths once their condition was no longer appropriate for the memorial had fallen ill and been taken to hospital.

He arranged for the wreaths and tributes to be collected on Tuesday, and disposed of appropriately.