The commemoration march in Sydney to mark the end of Australia's war effort in Afghanistan is a "fantastic" opportunity to recognise the work of the nation's defence force, one of our highest ranking military officers says.
Operation Slipper, as the Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan was known, concluded at the end of 2014. It began in October 2001.
A series of welcome home parades are being held across the country on Saturday to recognise the more than 34,000 defence, civilian and federal police personnel who took part in the operation.
Speaking at Sydney's Anzac memorial, Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs said the event was "fantastic because it gives many more Australians [the chance] to acknowledge the contribution" of those who had served in the Middle East.
He also touched on the issue of mental health of soldiers returned from the conflict zone.
"The whole mental health issue is one that is hugely important, we've put an enormous amount of effort into that over the last few years," he told reporters.
One thing Vice-Admiral Griggs said he couldn't control was the weather, with the Sydney parade about to begin under grey skies.
"It's not too good here in Sydney but I'm sure in other places it will be a bit better than this," he added.
A number of major roads in Sydney are closed for the event, which is due to start at 10am.
The Sydney parade begins at the intersection of George and King streets and continues down George Street to finish at Hyde Park, where the commemorative ceremony will be held at the Anzac Memorial at 11.30am.
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