Anzac Day 2022: Military service a tradition for Phil Lilliebridge’s family

Brisbane Iraq war veteran Phil Lilliebridge comes from a long line of service personnel, and is set to march with his granddaughter.

Jaydah Campbell-Maltman will today proudly wear service medals that have been passed down through her family for generations.

Her grandfather and Brisbane Iraq veteran Phil Lilliebridge will be alongside her as they march the streets in the annual show of respect for those fallen.

Mr Lilliebridge, 70, served with the Royal Australian Army from 1982-2011 and post service became a dedicated member for the Legacy Foundation.

The McDowall resident’s overseas deployments included Bougainville in 2001 and Iraq in 2006.

Mr Lilliebridge comes from a long line of servicemen and women with previous generations of his family involved in the first and second world wars.

He passed on that same legacy to his own children, who are current defence force members.

Veteran Phil Lilliebridge, 70, and his granddaughter Jaydah Campbell-Maltman, 10. Picture: Jerad Williams

He said Anzac Day was emotional each year.

“It really brings back a lot of memories, particularly both of my parents who served in WWII,” Mr Lilliebridge said.

“It’s certainly an important day for me and my family.”

Mr Lilliebridge will deliver several addresses as part of today’s commemorations.

He said the Spirit of Anzac was something that was not confined to the battle fields but throughout the community.

“The spirit of Anzac is not something you can see, it’s a powerful, driven sensation that can only be felt. It burns in the heart,” he said.

“It brings warm tender feelings and intense patriotism. Mateship is at the heart of Anzac values.”