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Anzac Parade change

Anzac Parade change

This year's Anzac Parade is undergoing an historic change.

For the first time the March will be led our youngest veterans, who served in conflicts after 1975, and the RSL wants as many as possible to answer the call.

Just being able to walk again is one of Damien Thomlinson's greatest achievements.


Being able to lead this year's Anzac Day March is one of his greatest honours.

“It's Diggers' Christmas mate, the favourite day of the year,” he said.

The former Commando lost both legs to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

Geoff Evans was also injured by an improvised explosive in the war.

This year they'll join up to a thousand veterans from conflicts post-1975 who will lead Sydney's march for the first time.

Until now, diggers from the First and Second world wars, Korea and Vietnam have been at the front.

Geoff Evans added: “When you turn up on Anzac Day and you remember those who have fallen, it makes my own problems seem very small.”

The pair are encouraging all eligible soldiers to take part – including those who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, Rwanda and the Solomons.

At this stage the opportunity to lead the Anzac march is a one-off for the younger veterans, with next year's commemorations to focus on the centenary of the landing at Gallipoli.

Three weeks ago, the RSL backflipped on plans to prevent older diggers from marching behind their batallion banners.

It says changes to the march order also caused controversy.

John Haines, chairman of the Anzac Day committee, said: “Most groups are happy with it 04 there'll obviously be some that find some difficulty 07

Mr Thomlinson insisted: “It's really important for us to notice that it doesn't matter how old you are, you're all Anzacs.”