Army chief marks life of 100th VC

In one of his final acts, outgoing Army chief David Morrison has recounted the story of Australia's 100th Victoria Cross recipient, Commando Corporal Cameron Baird, at the war memorial's last post ceremony.

Held every afternoon at closing time, the popular event tells of the life of one of the 102,000 Australians killed in war and whose names are listed on the roll of honour.

Wednesday's was special - Prime Minister Tony Abbott was there, as was Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Defence Minister Kevin Andrews.

Also attending were three other Victoria Cross recipients - Keith Payne, Ben Roberts-Smith and Daniel Keighran - and some of Corporal Baird's Commando colleagues.

But the real special guests were Doug and Kaye Baird, parents of Cameron Baird, and his brother Brendan.

Sir Peter, himself a former army chief, presented them with the new Remembrance Pin, which goes to the families of deceased soldiers as a symbol of their ongoing connection with the Australian Army.

Lieutenant General Morrison, who retires on Friday, said Corporal Baird, 32, was one of Australia's greatest ever soldiers.

In a savage firefight in Afghanistan in June 2013, Corporal Baird and fellow commandos attacked an insurgent position.

He personally charged an enemy-held building three times, at one point pausing to clear his jammed rifle. In his final charge he was shot and killed.

"For this he was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia, Australia's highest military decoration for valour but in the process of charging that door, he lost his life," he said.