We recall scenes from war movies and marvel at the valour that those men and women displayed, and the sacrifice they endured.
Really, most of us are lucky that movies are the only reference we have for the realities of war.
But on Anzac Day this year, as they do every year, a rapidly dwindling group of men and women will march down Swanston Street to the Shrine of Remembrance and remember those realities.
Things they did and saw and the comrades they lost will flash before their eyes. They will remember.
“It brings back memories, I mean, nobody wants to go to war,” says Steve Kyritsis, a Vietnam Vet from the Hellenic RSL.
“Our thoughts of course go back to the first world war at Gallipoli, when the Anzacs first grew. A lot of people think, ‘why do we celebrate Anzac Day, it was a lost cause,’ but it’s not just the war, it’s the commitment, the bravery, the sacrifice, the friendship,” he says.
The Melbourne sub-branch of the Hellenic RSL will once again fly the blue and white of their homeland alongside the Australian flag, as recognition of a shared experience of many wars, and a shared heritage for those who fought in them.
“Our members will represent the Second World War, we have veterans like myself that fought in the Vietnam War back in 1967-68, and generally members that served in the Australian armed forces, even though they haven’t been to war,” Kyritsis says.
“We hope to have at least 50 members. We have a membership of 160 servicemen and I have to say, we love to see any Greek that served in the armed forces, whether they are a member of the Hellenic RSL or not, to take part with us. We would just love to have them along.”
The march for the Hellenic RSL starts at 12:15pm on Sunday 25th April on Flinders street, between Swanston and Russell streets.
Lest we forget.