A new group has joined Perth's Anzac Day march for the first time this year.
The descendants of Chinese veterans who fought in WWII against the Japanese marched proudly in Western Australia, honouring the service of their loved ones.
For Mary Cia, her father’s contribution in WWII has always been a great source of pride.
Mary (R) and her mother, Shu Qin Lu (L), with photos of her father Lie Yu. Source: SBS
She told SBS News her father, Lie Yu, joined the war effort on the Chinese frontline against the Imperial Japanese Army.
The addition of the Chinese group was part of a push by Labor upper house MP Pierre Yang, who reached out to the Returned & Services League WA after being contacted by members of the Chinese community.
Descendents of Chinese veterans marched in Melbourne for the first time in 2016 and in Sydney in 2015.
They wanted to be represented in Perth.
“I served in the Australian Army Reserve for over 10 years," said Mr Yang.
"I know it is very important to many service men and women here in Australia, to commemorate the heroism of our Anzacs 100 years ago.”
The descendants of Chinese veterans march in Perth's Anzac March Source: SBS
It's a cause that others in the community immediately got behind, such as Dr Edward Ye Zhang from the Association of Great China.
"We contributed to the victory of the allies during WWII," he said.
"We should be part of it, we should be recognised.”
RSL WA estimated over 10,000 people attended this years' Anzac Day march in Perth, with good weather helping to attract a large crowd.
