Veterans CAN ride in Anzac march

World War II veteran brothers Eric and Murray Maxton will now be part of the Anzac centenary troop march on November 1 thanks to overwhelming support from the community.

The Department of Veterans Affairs had issued a directive that no vehicles would be included in the march and anyone taking part needed to be able to walk 600m down York Street.

"That left the Maxton brothers, both in their 90s and who have travelled by Jeep in Albany’s Anzac Day march for the past 20 years, feeling "shunned".

The Albany Advertiser's story yesterday sparked an outcry of disgust from community members, who called for common sense to prevail and ensure Murray and Eric, who carried out more than 30 air raids together for the RAAF and are among the last surviving airmen from the world war, could take part in this historic occasion.

"We can't go if we're not allowed to get a ride," Murray said on Tuesday.

Albany RSL sub-branch member Colin Lockyer said the veterans had been "forgotten", while Albany MP Peter Watson said the "baton has been dropped".

Yesterday evening DVA announced they had reviewed its policy and would allow a limited number of vehicles in the parade.

Murray, 93, and Eric, 90, welcomed the "wonderful" decision and said he was now looking forward to the event.

"It’s a very historical occasion which won't happen again. All the veterans who want to go should be able to go," Murray said.

The fight to include horses in the march to honour the light horsemen continues.

Read the full story in Thursday’s Albany Advertiser

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