Anzac Day has always held an important place in my heart, but this year it was made even more special. I had the privilege of marching in Sydney with the Australian-Maltese contingent.

My grandfather George, a Maltese migrant, marches each year wearing his medals along with his father's. My sister and I joined him in an event which left me feeling proud not only to be an Australian of Maltese heritage, but also to be a repre-sentative of my family and an advocate for peace and unity.

Malta's position has not only given it global strategic impor-tance historically but has also been the basis for numerous attacks including those by Ottoman Turks, Napoleon and Hitler.

Over many years, the bravery and determination of the Maltese has shone through. As a result the entire nation was awarded the George Cross, which is the highest civilian award for gallantry in the Commonwealth.

My grandfather has vivid memories of wartime in Malta, and has often shared them with his family. He was only a boy during the Second World War, but it has had a profound impact on his life.

Since he migrated to Australia in 1978 with his family, he has been an important member of the Australian-Maltese com-munity. Therefore, it was an honour to not only march with him, but also with people who would themselves have fought to defend their nation from many foes.

Anyone can put on a medal and march. But it was those who wore that medal with pride and who fought for a cause who populated the streets.

Everywhere I looked, there were people from all back-grounds and walks of life. It didn't matter what medals they had won, or if they served in the defence force of their nation. Everyone wore the same ex-pression of pride and an understanding of the important cause they were representing.

People waved and shouted - 'Viva Malta!' And the Australian flag took pride of place, dotted throughout the crowd and the groups of marchers alike. It is days like these which should be treasured for the rest of our lives.

So next year, although my life will be busy, I will stop along with tens of thousands of my fellow Australians to keep in mind all wars past and present, think of those who have died, acknow-ledge those who continue to defend our nation and also to commit to our own endless struggle for global peace.