It’s official — 150,000 guarantee warm welcome

By Graham Davis
Up to 150,000 people, some standing 40 deep and others throwing “ticker tape”, gave 1,400 uniformed and civilian Defence personnel a rousing “welcome home and well done” when they marched proudly through the streets of Sydney on June 18.

Two days later, an equally enthusiastic crowd lined Perth streets to welcome another 1,200 members.

The two marches were an initiative of the Federal Government for all who took part in or supported operations in Afghanistan, The Gulf and Iraq.

The Sydney march saw Defence members forming up at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at The Rocks. Family members and a large media contingent joined them.

Three-year-old Breanna Brock was there to give her daddy, LSMT Eddie Brock a big hug before he joined his unit. Eddie served in Kanimbla.

To get a big kiss before he marched off was ABBM Peter Denney from HMAS Albatross. His girlfriend Jennifer Storey of Wollongong was with him.

WO2 Barry Carr and PO Mark Keeton (MHQ) made sure the “lead” banner was ready.

As the GPO clock struck noon and to the opening beat of the drums of the Sydney Detachment of the RAN Band, NSW Police motorcyclists and a Highway Patrol car led the Parade onto George Street North.

Leading was BRIG Maurie McNarn, who had commanded the Australian forces during Operation Falconer. Next came the RAN contingent, followed by Army, the RAAF and finally the 23-member Defence Civilian contingent.

In the first hundred metres of the march crowds stood two deep behind the barriers; outside the Town Hall they were up to 40 deep.

City workers left their desks, while hundreds of veterans from previous conflicts mingled with the crowd.

Lofted signs told how many felt.

“Thank you and Welcome Home” in green on a white background probably said it all.

“Thanks.” “We Luv Ya” were typical.

Another was very poignant, “Vietnam Vets. We Welcome You Home”.

With the RAN, Army and two RAAF bands setting the pace, the Parade swung proudly along George Street.

At the Hilton Hotel a team of yellow helmeted workers downed tools and called out, “You beauty..Good on ya”.

Office workers raided their shredders and shredded paper fluttered from windows.

Then the first of the elements of an impressive flypast arrived. Three RAN helicopters, one carrying a huge White Ensign. In their wake came two RAAF Hercules followed by two four-ship flights of RAAF Hornets, now themselves combat veterans.

Calls of “Aussie Aussie Aussie..Oi Oi Oi” greeted the last contingent as it halted at the Town Hall.

Waiting to welcome them were the Administrator Sir Guy Greene, Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Councillor Lucy Turnbull, the Premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr, CDF, Defence Minister Hill, Minister Assisting Danna Vale, and Parliamentary Defence Secretary Fran Bailey.

After Sir Guy Greene received the Royal Salute Councillor Turnbull welcomed the marchers.

“Thank you for your courage and thank God for your safe return,” she said to loud applause.

The Prime Minister told the marchers they had “the pride and admiration of a grateful nation. You have delivered a more secure world.”
Remembering Army Sergeant Andrew Russell who died in Afghanistan he said, “You have done this nation proud. We are glad you are back in one piece.

“Welcome home and thank you for what you have done for our nation.”

In reply BRIG McNarn thanked Australians for supporting the deployed Defence personnel. He also thanked Defence civilians for their contribution and the families of Service personnel for their support.

An anonymous commentator summed it succinctly, “It was an amazing day.”

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