Anzac Day 2022 and High Street in Wodonga is lined with people — kids clutch flags as they peer over the crowd to the parade, a whole family stands by in Collingwood guernseys, elderly folk in wheelchairs applaud, teenagers take photos on their phones.
Due to years of COVID-19 chaos, this is the first time the people of Wodonga have been able to celebrate Anzac Day as a group since 2019, and they have come out in big numbers to watch the march.
Allan Skinner is a Vietnam veteran and proudly wore not only his own medals, but those of his father-in-law who was in the Pacific in World War II.
Mr Skinner said he "deserted Victoria" last year to march in Albury, but was thrilled to be back on his side of the river this year.
"This is my home, it's been my home for the best part of 20 years," he said.
Mr Skinner said the day was a chance to grieve for and remember people lost, even those that did not die in war.
"After the COVID experience I think it's important to recognise the remembrance aspect. It's about loss, and remembering the things that people have gone through," he said.
The Albury RSL also wanted to acknowledge the impacts of COVID on Anzac Day, inviting frontline health workers to march.
"The last couple of years have been difficult for everyone, I don't care who it is. It's been difficult for everyone," said RSL president Graham Docksey.
"This is the first opportunity, and probably the only opportunity, the community have got to be able to thank the health workers, the doctors, the ambos, the medics and all the others that have kept us safe during the COVID pandemic.
"They [led] the march right behind me as the RSL president."
Family ties
A sense of family was strong for many in the crowd and the parade.
Craig from Albury marched hand-in-hand with his grandchildren Isaiah and Matilda.
"We're marching for my dad. He fought in the Kokoda campaign in Papua New Guinea. So it means a lot," he said.
Robin Ellison used to be on cenotaph duty when he was a sergeant in the 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles, and has marched every year since he retired from the army.
He said he marched for all the light horse units and for his father who served in the navy in World War I.
"He marched every year until the day he was unable to. So now I wear his medals in honour of him every Anzac Day," said Mr Ellison, his eyes filling with tears.
"It's a very sad day. We recognise the fallen from both sides, friend or foe."
He also said he was marching for people in Ukraine who are dying now in service to their country.
Honouring Sir Murray Bourchier
This year's Shepparton Anzac Day commemorations drew some of the largest crowds on record.
They came a day after a new statue of local hero Sir Murray Bourchier was unveiled in the Queen's Gardens.
Formerly the deputy premier of Victoria, Bourchier also played a pivotal role in the First World War at the Battle of Beersheba.
Jeanette Powell, the former member for Shepparton, campaigned for the statue for 14 years alongside Shepparton RSL and Greater Shepparton City Council.
"I know we have Bourchier St and Bourchier St School, but not many people know about his history and his service, not just to his community but to his country," Ms Powell said.
"He's one of those people that the name 'hero' does belong to."
A new generation
There was a special unveiling in Albury, too.
The council's $1.35 million upgrade of the war memorial over the past couple of years revealed new plaques commemorating all the engagements the army has been involved in since the Boer War.
Mr Docksey said it was very important to have Afghanistan veterans do the unveiling as it highlighted the ongoing need to support those returning from conflict.
"It's not a matter of glorifying war, it's a matter of respecting and understanding what has been the consequence of war," Mr Docksey said.
But to be able to do that, he said they need the next generation to step up and help.
The RSL secretary, treasurer, and Mr Docksey as president are all in their late 70s or early 80s, and they need a break.
"So, young veterans, it's time to step up."
