The Ghan’s ANZAC Tribute kicked off for the first time this year with a four day journey through the heart of Australia that commemorated the glories and sacrifices of the Australian Armed Forces during the Second World War.
The Ghan has had a long association with the service men and women of the Australian Armed Forces; during the Second World War it played a vital role in transporting service men and women to the north of the country.
Raising vital funds and awareness for the RSL, the journey departed from Adelaide on April 23 and arrived in Darwin on April 26.
The highlight of the journey was a traditional Dawn Service on ANZAC Hill in Alice Springs, and at the Adelaide River War Cemetery guests were able to pay their respects to the fallen, before arriving into the final destination of Darwin, which bore the largest attack ever mounted by a foreign power against Australia.
Chief Executive of Great Southern Rail, Tony Braxton-Smith, said he was excited to see The Ghan returning to its roots and working with the Returned Services League of Australia on what is set to become an annual commemoration of Australia’s military history.
Chief Executive Officer of the RSL (Queensland Branch), and National Marketing Representative, Chris McHugh CSC said that The Ghan, “is a commendable initiative by the Great Southern Rail as it offers RSL members and the greater community an ANZAC commemoration to remember for a life time. This event has the potential to grow in its popularity.”