Families of soldiers who died in Afghanistan have gathered at a Melbourne parade to welcome home troops returning from the war.
More than 1400 defence force personnel marched down St Kilda Rd to a ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Philomena Wolahan, whose son served in Afghanistan, said it was important to say thank you to the troops who served overseas and their families.
"Particularly to support the families who have lost members. I think that's one of the most important things today, to be here for them," Ms Wolahan told AAP on Saturday.
"Because we're very lucky that we have some of our sons and daughters, but a lot of them here today don't. So we're here to support them mainly."
Henry Polis, who was conscripted into the Vietnam War, said he was there to see the troops receive public recognition.
"Which is the sort of thing we did not get when we came back from an unpopular war," Mr Polis told AAP.
Mr Polis said those who served in Afghanistan deserved to know their country respected the risks they took.
Simon, who served as an armoured troop leader in 2011 and 2012, said his time in Afghanistan had been long but effective.
"We did lots of stuff, we were very busy, but we did some good things," he told AAP.
"It's really good to see such a strong turnout."
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews praised the members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police and other government agencies for their service in Afghanistan.
"Australia has also felt deep sorrow for the 41 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice," Mr Andrews said.
Operation Slipper began in 2001 after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States and finished in 2014.
It was Australia's longest war, spanning 13 years.
Share
