Ben Roberts-Smith attends Afghanistan commemoration as 600 veterans mark 25
Ben Roberts-Smith attended a commemoration with 600 veterans marking 25 years since Australia deployed to Afghanistan.
About 600 veterans gathered at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday. They marked 25 years since Australian forces deployed to Afghanistan.
This followed the September 11 attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese honoured those who served.
He acknowledged the 47 Australian personnel killed and those wounded in body or mind. Among the attendees was Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.
He faces five murder charges over alleged killing of Afghan detainees. He strongly denies the allegations.
A judge allowed Roberts-Smith to travel from Brisbane for the service. He had to follow strict bail conditions.
About 26,000 to 30,000 Australians served in the campaign across two decades. This became Australia's longest military engagement.
The Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Many veterans questioned whether the mission was worth it.
- 26,000 to 30,000 Australians
- Personnel deployed
- 47 Australian personnel killed
- Deaths
Why it mattersA commemoration honoured those who served. At the same time, a decorated veteran faces war crimes prosecution.
AustraliaThe ceremony reflects ongoing national reckoning with Australia's longest military campaign and its legacy for tens of thousands of veterans.
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