The military memories of World War II, Vietnam and Korea filled the front row of the Beaconsfield Anzac Day Service – all of them from Albert Haberley.
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On a day when the Anzac spirit came in the form of faces, families and voices, special mention was made of a returned serviceman whose career spanned three conflicts from Australia’s military history.
The former Major has received more than 20 medals for his time in service and has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen.
Mr Haberley moved from Western Australia to Beaconsfield in 2017 to live with his son, Lester.
He said “recognition of the sacrifice” made from Armed Forces’ men and women remained the most important part of the day.
Given Mr Haberley’s Anzac journey begun when he joined a merchant ship as an oiler at the age of 17, it was fitting that Exeter High School students Ned Whiting and Lauren Spencer were given the task of paying tribute to the 93-year-old.
In his address, Ned said the enormity of Mr Haberley’s sacrifice was not lost on him.
“For everyone standing before me today, imagine someone as young as myself being sent to fight for Australia on the front lines,” he said.
“War is not an achievement in our nation’s history, yet without the valiant achievements of Australian troops during these times of conflict, we may not be standing here today.”
Mr Haberley’s son Lester said the future of the Anzac legacy was dependent on young people knowing the origins of the day.
“After the veterans are gone, then that is it,” he said.
“Children need to learn about what happened and why.”
Exeter was not the only school represented at the service, with students from Beaconsfield Primary and St Patrick’s College showing their support in uniform, despite being on school holidays.
St Patrick’s College student April Mohr has been taking part in the Beaconsfield service since she was four years old.
Now 16, she said it was always an honour to be involved.
“It’s great to be able represent the school in this way and join the community in remembering those that have served our country.”
Earlier in the day, Exeter's Anzac services began with a nod to European military custom, as a lone piper performed at the dawn service.
More than 500 people gathered around the cenotaph for this year’s event, which also featured a performance by long-time bugler Paul Walker.
