Heather and Kirsty McLachlan, from Teesdale School, were just five and two when they were invited to cut the first sod for the memorial near Lichfield, in Staffordshire.
Kirsty, who never met her father Cpl Robin McLachlan because he died in a motorbike accident while serving in Germany in 2003, performed her own composition, Road to Home, on keyboard during the anniversary Remembrance Day ceremony at the Arboretum on Sunday, November 12.
The 13-year-old sang in front of an audience of about 4,000 people.
Her song was inspired partly in memory of her father and partly in response to a World War One project she did at school.
A robin flew down and sat on her microphone to watch her during the rehearsal.
The girls’ mum, Dr Jill McLachlan, who is a founder member of the Army Widows Association, said: “Two families were involved in the launch of the memorial, our family for the turf cutting and another family laid the foundation stone.”
While Kirsty sang for the tenth anniversary, her 16-year-old sister took part in the parade.
Heather said: “I was only five when we started the memorial, and I can’t remember much, so it was nice to go back and see how it has developed.
“I’m proud to represent my dad, and all the other service people who’ve been lost.”
Kirsty added: “It was such a special experience to be able to sing my song next to my dad’s name and the robin flying down was amazing.
“Everyone was really helpful and kind and I enjoyed the day. I can't wait to go back and learn about all the other memorials.”
Cpl McLachlan, of the Royal Logistics Corps, was preparing to deploy to Iraq at the time of his death.
The National Memorial Arboretum honours those who have served or continue to serve the nation, with 30,000 trees planted across the 150-acre site.
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