19 June 2003

The government has organised a series of "welcome back the Iraq War troops" parades in a number of the state capital cities. Here is the scene yesterday in the first of these parades - in George St in the city ... panorama.  The crowds seemed rather sparse and subdued compared with the normal Anzac Day response. The march was publicised only a day or so before the event -- maybe for security reasons. Here are some pictures from the parade.. a Vietnam veteran bikie ... an "old aussie digger" ... Prime Minister Howard pressing flesh after the parade (there was a lone protesting voice yelling out "You're a liar, Howard!" at the start of his speech) .. Leader of the Opposition Crean with a sailor ... police taping up garbage bins ... the crowd and troops stand at attention for the singing of the National Anthem 10:42:13 AM