Veterans wanting to take part in the 2024 ACT RSL Anzac Day march on Thursday 25 April are being urged to register now by the Returned and Services League (RSL) ACT Branch and the Australian War Memorial.

Veterans at this year’s march will create history, taking the first steps on the new parade ground at the Memorial, said Matt Anderson, Director of the Memorial.

According to Mr Anderson, construction work on the parade ground is scheduled for completion in early April. It will be the first section of the Development Project to be completed, with the new entrance to follow by the end of the year.

“Having the parade ground commissioned by veterans is a fitting beginning to the opening of our new spaces,” Mr Anderson said. “The purpose of this project is for modern veterans and their families to have their stories told here, at the National Memorial. We are also delighted to welcome back the people of Canberra, who have been so patient while we have delivered the much-needed expansion.”

ACT RSL Chief Executive Kimberley Hicks said, “With the development of the parade ground complete and COVID restrictions behind us, we are looking forward to thousands of veterans joining us for this year’s veteran’s march.”

President of the ACT RSL John King said, “The Australian War Memorial is an iconic institution, and we are honoured to be the first veterans to march on the new parade ground. For the first time since 2019, we families of veterans are welcomed back to participate in the march.”

The march will commence at 9.30am on 25 April and proceed along Anzac Parade to the Memorial. Veterans groups are invited to register now on the website of either the Australian War Memorial or the ACT RSL. The march will be followed by a commemorative address delivered by Afghanistan veteran Mr Damien Thomlinson.

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