Let our Veterans March behind their banners

The NSW RSL have decided to ban real World War Two Army Veterans from marching behind their unit banners in this year’s Anzac Day March, saying that there aren’t enough survivors, they worry about the survivors health, and there are too many descendants in the parade.  Instead, the banners will walk behind veterans in the parade, carried by descendants while our dear diggers will muster into their groups to make the parade.  Navy and Airforce Veterans in contrast will still muster behind their flags from ships and squadrons and march as normal. There is talk of the change being discriminatory.  I think it is just sad.

Ben Fordham had Ray Gibson on his radio show earlier who fought in the 32/3^rd Infantry Battalion and was in the room when the RSL made the decision at a meeting this week.  He said he was silenced by the concerning move.

A furious Gibson said to Fordham that he has marched every year since 1946, but is now looking at boycotting this year’s parade.

But I ask you today if it is necessary to change something so special to the diggers at this stage.  Walking behind his battalion’s flag was always such an important moment for my Grandfather, a world war two veteran.  He always insisted that he would march, right up until his body would place him as an inconvenience in doing so (about 87 years old is when he stopped and he lived until 92 years old).

Surely while we have living World War Two Veterans we should honour them for their fight for our country and allow them to march in their battalions, remembering and respecting their comrades with passion.

The NSW RSL will apparently meet again on Friday to debate the issue further and finalise the parade.

We will send them your comments if you tell us your thoughts today.