Australia has honored its veterans of the Afghanistan War on the 25th anniversary of the conflict. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered the nation's respect and gratitude to all who served in Australia's name at a ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial.
What happened
A quarter of a century after Australian troops were deployed to Afghanistan, hundreds of veterans gathered at the ceremony, including the nation's most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith. The ceremony marked the start of the campaign, which was initiated by former Prime Minister John Howard in response to the September 11 attacks.
More than 35,000 Australian servicemen and women were deployed to the Middle East over two decades, with 47 personnel dying as a result of their service and 263 wounded. Despite controversy over Australia's military involvement, the troops who served on the ground remain proud of their achievements.
Former soldier Mathew Bell, who was deployed in 2012, remembers his unit's work with a sense of honor and accomplishment. He recalls that girls were able to attend school, medical services were rolled out to villages, and there was freedom during their time in Afghanistan.