YOUNG veterans will be the main focus of this year’s Anzac Day march in Tamworth, according to Tamworth RSL sub-branch president and museum curator Bob Chapman.
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The veterans will march under the post-1973 conflicts banner, representing battles in Timor, both Gulf wars, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mr Chapman will lead the march, which usually takes about 40 minutes.
He is a Vietnam veteran who served in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment at the Nui Dat taskforce base in 1970-71.
“There’s usually between 30 and 50 Vietnam veterans who march,” Mr Chapman said.
He did not think any World War II veterans would be marching this year.
Anzac Day marks the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I.
It’s a chance for war veterans and others to reflect on those who served in the defence of Australia, especially honouring those who died.
In Tamworth, the Anzac Day march starts at 9.30am in Marius Street and continues along Bourke, Peel and Fitzroy streets.
The march follows a dawn service that will be held at 5.30am at the Anzac Gates, Anzac Park in Brisbane Street.
An Anzac Day members lunch will also be held at the Wests Leagues Club from midday.
Another great Anzac Day tradition, two-up, will be held at the West Tamworth Leagues Club.
The game is generally believed to mark a shared experience with diggers.
There will be two games at the club, in Phillip Street, West Tamworth; one in the Diggers Grand Ballroom, from 2pm to 6pm and the other in the Chillingworth Room from 3pm to 7pm.
For more information, phone 6765 7588.
Tamworth Legacy will also be marking Anzac Day by supporting the RSL, honorary secretary Greg Roese said.
“It’s a commemorative event and as such, Legacy is involved,” Mr Roese said.
A Vietnam veteran, he became involved in the organisation after losing friends in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral in 1968.
“I later found out they had family and dependents and that’s how I became interested in Legacy,” he said.
Established in 1948, Tamworth Legacy assists 470 widows and 72 legatees.
The branch is in Peel Street and relies mainly on public support.
For more information, phone Legacy on 6766 4372.
On the following pages is a full list of all Anzac Day services across the New England. For more information phone 6766 8166.
