The Allied Forces Contingent converged on grounds of the Australian War Memorial to honour the Anzacs at this year’s ANZAC Day parade in Canberra. The contingent was comprised of 27 former and active US Marine Corps, Navy, Army and Air Force personnel including visiting members of the Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC).
This expansion was thanks to the efforts of AAACBR President Alicia Doherty and ACT RSL Australia CEO Kimberly Hicks who united their resources with the US Embassy in Canberra to bring together local and visiting US personnel for the solemn occasion. Additionally, the contingent welcomed old and new participants including former US Marine, now Australian Defence Force (ADF) welfare officer, Frank Tottingham who was returning for his 24th march and our very own Alicia Doherty who was participating in an ANZAC Day parade for the first time.
- Fun fact: Alicia served as a UH-1H Huey Helicopter repairer and later as an Aviation Life Support Equipment Specialist in the US Army. She met her Australian Army husband Larry who at the time was on exchange in the US training to be a Black Hawk Helicopter Instructor pilot.
The parade was also an opportunity to raise awareness of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Australian American Memorial at Sir Thomas Blamey Square, Russell. The AAACBR was instrumental in establishing ‘The Eagle’ as its affectionately known which was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. It stands as a symbol of Australian gratitude to American service personnel for their contribution to the defence of Australia during WWII.
After the parade, we joined old and new mates at King O’Malleys and other local establishments in the spirit of ANZAC.
#lestweforget #anzacday #veterans #canberra #wewillrememberthem #anzacdayparade #uswithaus
