Let WWII Diggers March in the Anzac Day Parade

SOLDIERS who fought for their country in World War II are banned from marching in Townsville on Anzac Day because they might slow down the parade.

Instead of marching, the Diggers from the 1939-45 conflict will have to ride in restored military vehicles so the momentum of the parade will not be disrupted by any slow coaches.

But two Diggers are breaking ranks. The rule came into effect last year and has outraged 85-year-old WWII veteran Frank Pardon and 91-year-old Arnold Forrester, The Townsville Bulletin reports.

Mr Pardon, who was just 19 when he left Townsville to serve in Bougainville, and Mr Forrester, who served on the front lines on the Kokoda Track at age 23, said they were able and willing to march.

He is the last of the 250 original "Ragged Bloody Heroes" who defended battle lines at Isurava on the Kokoda Track in 1942.

"It is a march all said and done, and in my book we should be able to march if we are able, we won't hold up proceedings," Mr Forrester said.

"It is our day and it has been whittled away to half a day over the years and now they won't let us walk."

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/world-war-two-diggers-break-ranks-after-being-told-theyre-too-slow-to-march-on-anzac-day/story-e6frfkvr-1226035893443#ixzz1IttMMaJm