Ben Roberts-Smith, the former SAS soldier facing war crime charges, will attend an Anzac Day service in Queensland on Saturday, describing the day as 'sacred' to him. It will be his first commemoration since being criminally charged.
Roberts-Smith, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, faces five charges of murder allegedly committed during his service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has vehemently denied the allegations.
In a statement, Roberts-Smith said he greatly appreciated the support shown by veterans and the community, and encouraged others to pay their respects. He has been living in Queensland since being released on bail, which restricts his travel.
The Returned and Services League said Roberts-Smith was welcome at any Anzac service. RSL national president Peter Tinley, himself an SAS veteran, said: 'The Anzac Spirit doesn't just live in history. It lives in the choices we make today.'
A rally in support of Roberts-Smith, planned for the day after Anzac Day in Melbourne, is being organised by a group whose founder describes himself as a 'white nationalist'. However, a spokesperson for Roberts-Smith confirmed he and his family are not involved in the rally.
