And yesterday, closure for some and new horizons for others.

The parade marking the end of Operation Catalyst was all about families.

When more than 300 marchers rounded the amphitheatre, hundreds of onlookers got to their feet unbidden and started clapping.

They did not stop until each serviceman and woman had had their moment.

''You are the ANZACS of today and you should be proud as we are proud of you,'' Mr Rudd said in his speech to the crowd.

Michelle Barker and 11-month-old Julian Game were very proud of partner and father Corporal Christopher Game.

Corporal Game, born and raised in Canberra, served with the Royal Australian Air Force from July to November 2004 as a communications watch officer.

He is now attached to the HMAS Harman in Canberra.

While he was as pleased as anyone at the warm reception yesterday, he acknowledged his work might not yet be done.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times