Veterans across the country have welcomed a revival of the Anzac spirit as large crowds pack city centres in the absence of COVID-19 restrictions.
Among the thousands was 14-year-old Belgian shepherd named Jeep, dressed in a smart coat with the medal he earned for years of service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) alongside a purple poppy to honour the animals that have died in military service.
Jeep joined his loyal handler, fellow RAAF servicewoman Lauren Marshall, who made the journey to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
“It was extremely important to come down here,” she told ABC.
“Jeep is approaching the end of his life.”
Marshall had Jeep by her side during six years of RAAF service, as well as the COVID pandemic.
“I had to get him here,” she added.
“Sometimes I feel like they’re [animals] not recognised as much as they deserve to be.”
Jeep was vital in the search for the missing MH370 plane, which was shot down in 2014.
Thank you for your service, Jeep.
(Source: ABC)
