Diggers formally welcomed home in Darwin

July 5, 2008, 2:35 pm

Around 400 soldiers have been welcomed back to Australia at a ceremony in Darwin.

AAP © [Enlarge photo]

Around 400 soldiers and 10 armoured vehicles that served in Iraq have marched through the streets of Darwin in a welcome home parade.

The soldiers are from the 1st Brigade, which is located in Darwin and made up around two thirds of the personnel who served in Iraq .

"Today, we are recognising the efforts of all Australians who have served with the Al Muthanna Task Group, the Overwatch Battle Group - West and the Australian Army Training Team in Iraq ," Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said in a statement.

"These soldiers have all had a significant impact on the stability and future prospects for the region.

"These men and women have done an outstanding job and I am honoured to be here to welcome them home, and thank them for their work helping the Iraqi people."

Australian soldiers were deployed to southern Iraq in an infantry and cavalry battle group for more than three years, while a dedicated training team was based there for four years, he said.

Mr Snowdon also thanked the diggers' families for their on-going support and understanding to the military cause.

"Families are often the unsung heroes whose support is the foundation on which the Army is built," he said.

It's the second of three parades to welcome home the troops.

The next takes place in Townsville on July 20.