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Welcome
home parades planned in late June
WELCOME
home marches will be held in Sydney on Wednesday, June 18 and Perth
on Friday, June 20.
They
will be made up of ADF personnel and Defence civilians who contributed
to Op Slipper, Australia’s contribution to the war against
terrorism and Ops Bastille and Falconer, Australia’s contribution
to the coalition to disarm Iraq.
The
marches will recognise the achievements, accomplishments and excellent
work by the men and women of the ADF.
The
Prime Minister, Minister for Defence Robert Hill and CDF Gen Peter
Cosgrove will join other dignitaries and well-wishers at the marches.
Senator
Hill said the marches will be similar to Anzac Day parades, with
formed groups carrying identifying banners marching through each
city before attending a civic reception.
The
concept is modelled on the welcome home marches conducted for the
INTERFET forces on their return from East Timor.
“The
marches will be the nation’s opportunity to say thank you to
the returning troops,” Senator Hill said.
“While
we are holding private welcome home ceremonies for individual units
around the country, these marches are a fitting opportunity for
the general public to express their support and appreciation for
the ADF,” he said.
“It
is important, though, not to forget our personnel who remain in
the Middle East as part of Op Catalyst – our contribution to
stabilisation and recovery operations in Iraq.
“They
were continuing to make a vital contribution in support of Australia.
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