One of Australia\u2019s most high-profile war veterans, Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith, has confirmed he will take part in Anzac Day services as the national day of remembrance approaches.<\/p>\n
Mr Roberts-Smith, who has been charged with five counts of war crime murder relating to alleged conduct during his service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, has been released on strict bail conditions while proceedings continue.<\/p>\n
He has yet to enter pleas to any of the charges, but has denied the allegations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI deny these allegations and have always done so,\u201d Mr Roberts-Smith said in a statement.<\/p>\n
He is expected to attend Anzac Day commemorations in Queensland on Saturday, describing the day as central to the military community and those who have served.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnzac Day is sacred to me and every other veteran. I will be attending to pay my respects and I encourage everyone else to,\u201d Mr Roberts-Smith told The Australian.<\/p>\n
His planned attendance has drawn public backing from fellow Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne, who said veterans should be free to participate in commemorative services.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course he should march or be at the Dawn Service, whatever he wants to,\u201d Mr Payne told the masthead.<\/p>\n
Mr Roberts-Smith also said he was grateful for the support he had received from Mr Payne and others who had been in contact with him.<\/p>\n
The 47-year-old was arrested on April 7 at Sydney airport as he prepared to step off a flight from Brisbane with his family.<\/p>\n
He was last week granted bail in Sydney\u2019s Downing Centre Local Court after spending 10 days in Silverwater Correctional Centre on remand.<\/p>\n
During his first public statement last Sunday, the Victoria Cross recipient reiterated his denials of the allegations and that he had acted within the rules of engagement at all times.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the past 10 years my family and I have been subject to a campaign to convince Australians that I\u2019ve acted improperly in my service in Afghanistan,\u201d Mr Roberts-Smith said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I\u2019ve always maintained, I categorically deny all these allegations.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd while I would\u2019ve preferred these charges not have been brought, I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name.\u201d<\/p>\n
The matter will return to court on June 2.<\/p>\n
More to come<\/p>\n