The installation of the Howitzer, which served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, comes almost four years after the sub-branch applied to own one of the coveted guns.

In 2011, Vietnam Veterans associations, RSL and historical organisations were exclusively offered the opportunity to tender for one of 38 Howitzers.

In 2012 the sub-branch was told its application had been successful from 247 tendered to the Department of Defence.

It would receive one of the four to be displayed in NSW.

However, it took another two years for the Tea Gardens sub-branch to actually get the gun, which has been safely housed at the town’s police station until it moves one more time to its permanent home in Anzac Park.

Approved applicants have to pay for demilitarisation and other costs, such as transport and site preparation, which has to be approved  by the United States government under its International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

When the Examiner asked Tea Gardens RSL Sub-Branch president Barry Whiteman whether the gun had been worth the cost, his answer was a resounding ‘‘yes’’.

‘‘This area is home to quite a number of Vietnam veterans who know the Howitzer very well, who respect it. It is part of their history.

‘‘We hope its place in Anzac Park will encourage the youths of the area to look at it and understand that a lot of young fellas gave blood, sweat and tears for them to enjoy their freedoms today.’’

Mr Whiteman said while he was happy the gun was finally in Tea Gardens, he would be a whole lot happier when it was in the park.

The installation was expected to be completed by Anzac Day.