Ben Roberts-Smith has confirmed he will be attending Anzac Day services tomorrow, saying he intends to pay his respects, one week on from his release on bail.
He also said he and his family have no involvement in a rally calling for the withdrawal of charges against him, planned in Melbourne for this weekend by an ethno-nationalist group.
Mr Roberts-Smith has been residing in Queensland since he was released from Sydney’s Silverwater jail to await trial for five counts of the war crime of murder.
He has strenuously denied the allegations, which stem from alleged actions during his service in Afghanistan.
In a statement, he responded to supportive comments made by his fellow Victoria Cross recipient, Vietnam war veteran Keith Payne, who told The Australian newspaper: “Of course he should march or be at the Dawn Service, whatever he wants to”.
“I greatly appreciate the support from Keith Payne VC and everyone else that has made contact,” Mr Roberts-Smith said.
“Anzac Day is sacred to me and every other veteran. I will be attending to pay my respects and I encourage everyone else to.”
A representative for the former soldier did not say which events he would be participating in.
Ben Roberts-Smith was charged with war crimes earlier this month. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)
A spokesperson for RSL Australia said all Australians, including Mr Roberts-Smith, were able to attend Anzac Day commemorations.
“As a service veteran, and like any member of the community, Ben Roberts-Smith is able to attend Anzac Day commemorations should he so choose,”
they said.
“RSL Australia is encouraging all Australians to come together this Anzac Day to honour the service and sacrifice of past and present veterans, and to recognise that the Anzac Spirit continues to shape the nation today.”
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RSL Australia national president Peter Tinley added: “Our responsibility is not only to honour the fallen, but to fiercely advocate for and support the living.”
A rally in support of the Victoria Cross recipient is being held in Melbourne over the weekend, although Mr Roberts-Smith said he had no involvement in the event.
It is being promoted by the the National Workers Alliance, an ethno-nationalist group that claims it supports the “preservation of Western culture and identity”.
Mr Roberts-Smith’s lawyers said in the statement to the ABC: “Mr Roberts-Smith and his family are not in any way involved in this rally, nor associated with its organisers, and have not been consulted by the group in question.”