Australians should all aim to be worthy of the sacrifices made for them by the nation's servicemen and women, according to a recipient of the country's highest military honour.
A decade ago, Corporal Mark Donaldson became the first person awarded the Victoria Cross in almost 40 years.
He received the honour for rescuing a coalition forces interpreter from heavy fire in Oruzgan Province in Afghanistan.
But at the Anzac Day dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the soldier spoke of the sacrifices of others.
Those included the actions of oldest living Victoria Cross recipient, Keith Payne.
The now 85-year-old Vietnam vet received the award for rescuing fellow soldiers while under enemy fire and suffering his own injuries during the Battle of Ben Het in 1969.
Corporal Donaldson said all Australians had an obligation to the brave men and women that served the nation.
"We honour their sacrifice by living a good life in support of others, respecting the freedoms given us and inspiring others to build a better Australia and a stronger Anzac spirit," he told a crowd of 35,000 people.
"We should strive to be worthy of these sacrifices made for us."
Before the service began, three serving members read out passages from the letters and diaries of Australians who experienced war first-hand.
The cry of a baby during one of the readings served as a reminder of the diversity of the ages represented in the mass of people.
John Flaherty was among parents with young children in tow, with his family travelling from Sydney.
That included Amelia, aged almost two, who was bundled in his arms.
"It's nice to get them involved," he told AAP.
Anna Bean, whose father served in the 6th battalion, also travelled interstate from Melbourne for her first service in the capital.
"We thought it would feel really special."
A more regular attendee was Canberra local Cleo Kosmas, who has attended the Australian War Memorial for many years as a mark of respect.
"It's an opportunity for us to hear what the men and women in service have got to say about their experiences," she said.
"You don't have any idea as a civilian what they go through."
Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson credited Anzac Day with contributing to a national culture that produces all kinds of heroes.
They include South Australian nurse Kirsty Boden, who was killed trying to help other victims of the London Bridge terrorist attack in 2017.
"What makes people selfless, caring and brave?" Dr Nelson told reporters after the service.
"It's a society that honours people who are selfless, caring and brave. Anzac Day is a day when that's precisely what we do."
