Contemporary veterans lead Anzac Day March

The state’s youngest veterans from conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan have led this year’s Anzac Day March in Sydney’s CBD in a sign of immense gratitude for their service during the longest engagement in Australia’s military history.

They were joined by Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott and RSL NSW President Ray James who paid tribute to their great sacrifice over 20 years. This year marked the return of traditional commemorative services, full-scale dawn services and marches across the state.

“Today, 25 April, is a significant day. We come together to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our veterans and current serving personnel and to acknowledge their families. Whether you attended a Dawn Service or March, or have gathered with colleagues and mates for a reunion, today is a day that Australians remember our veterans and what they have done for our country,” Mr Elliott said.

“In particular we honour our contemporary veterans from the Middle East and Afghanistan who are transitioning now to civilian life. We stand with them and pledge to provide the essential services and support they need in seeking employment, education, positive health outcomes and real connections to family and community.”

RSL NSW President Ray James said “Anzac Day not only acknowledges the service and sacrifice of our oldest veterans, but it’s also a day to support our youngest veterans, and the service given during the 20-year conflict in the Middle East.”

The NSW Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place commenced at 4:30am, the approximate time it is believed the first Anzacs waded ashore at Gallipoli. The Service was attended by representatives of the Commonwealth and NSW Government, Ex-Service Organisations, veterans’ groups and over 5,000 spectators.

“Anzac Day is a timely reminder that Australians are resilient and brave, and we come together as a community to support each other to overcome challenges. We have been able to commemorate Anzac Day this year without any restrictions, after a tough couple of years dealing with the impacts of the pandemic, and in recent months, from rain and flooding,” Mr Elliott said.

Commemorations continue throughout the day with the Anzac Day Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial from 12:30pm, the Coloured Diggers March in Redfern at 2:30pm and a solemn sunset service at the Cenotaph at 5:00pm.

For more information about Anzac Day visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/anzac-day-2022.

MEDIA: Penny Ghosn | 0460 566 213