I’ve been rather turned off by Anzac Day growing up, since it’s felt more and more the narrative has turned to “mateship” and how heroic the ANZACs were, instead of the reality which is that Australians were sent into the meat grinder by the British Empire (which in fairness, I was taught at school), and that war is hell, and we ought to do everything we possibly can to avoid it.

That all being said, excluding more modern veterans is total bullshit and anyone suggesting modern veterans are any less deserving are being dicks*. And I say this as someone very critical of Australia’s involvement in America’s imperialist invasions.

It’s not our soldiers fault they were sent. They’re the ones who actually had to endure the trauma of war, not Howard, who sent them.

Really hope all veterans in good standing can take part in any march they desire.

*Criticising the military in general, and specific soldiers/units who engaged in war crimes is fair game, in my opinion.