Thousands of community-based Australian Defence Force Cadets across the country will proudly march on ANZAC Day to honour those Australians who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms they now enjoy, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Mike Kelly AM MP said today.

“Each year many of the 21,500 Navy, Army and Air Force cadets in more than 460 units and squadrons march in big cities and small towns on ANZAC Day. Their participation in the march shows that the sacrifice of past generations is continuing to be acknowledged and respected by young Australians,” said Dr Kelly.

“For many cadets, marching in the ANZAC Day parade is the highlight of their cadet career. It gives them and their communities a great sense of pride to participate in an event that has such deep cultural and historic meaning for all Australians.

“The Australian Defence Force Cadets program teaches young Australians the importance of contributing to the community and good citizenship.

“Cadets play an invaluable role in promoting the values and ethos of the Australian Defence Force in the community and keeping significant traditions alive, particularly in remote and regional areas. They honour past sacrifices through ANZAC and Remembrance Day events and work together to preserve memorials and other important community facilities.

“Cadets encourages young Australians to play an active and integral role in their communities, and on ANZAC Day we will see them walking the talk,” said Dr Kelly.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is a youth development organisation where 12-and-a-half to 20 year-olds take part in adventurous activities, while learning about leadership, the value of good citizenship, team building and themselves.