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Prime Minister Tony Abbott's announcement of national day of commemoration of the war in Afghanistan and the Middle East is welcome.
Australia's longest running war was fought by personnel with ties to Dubbo and across the country.
The conflict claimed the lives of 40 servicemen and left 261 more wounded.
Members of this community were saddened as families farewelled men who were sons, brothers, husbands or fathers, some from country areas of NSW.
They also remember or have heard of the way Vietnam veterans were shunned on their return from serving their country.
Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch president Tom Gray experienced that time and he has pledged this time it will be different.
He and fellow sub-branch members have taken the lead and offered their time to the men and women who have returned.
It is a relief that four decades on Australia looks like it will take up its end-of-war responsibility.
The changed approach has been forged by the Vietnam veterans who had the courage to talk of their experiences.
The government's commitment needs to match the needs of the people who served.
The new commemoration will be a day for the country to recognise and honour the men and women who did their best at the mission they were given.
It is more than a year away, but its timing will occur a month before the centenary of the Anzacs landing at Gallipoli.
March 21, 2015 is a date of significance to all Australians and should see us stand with those who served.