Anzac Day is a chance for many to reflect on the sacrifice and service of people who have served in all wars.
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For Lyle Orreal, it will be a day to remember the 35 mates that died in the 9th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment in Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969.
“We don’t want to see any more war and wasted life. But you can’t turn the cheek. You’ve got to be ready to serve your country,” he said.
“War is, to me, a last resort. It should always be a last resort.”
Mr Orreal’s battalion also featured current Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove.
One of the 35 deceased included Bathurst local David Brennan.
Mr Orreal said the Vietnam War is one not many former soldiers speak about.
“I think if there was any war people were not proud of, it was Vietnam. People weren’t looked after,” he said.
“People should come back from war praised and recognised, like today.”
Bathurst and surrounding towns will have several services to mark Anzac Day.
The War Memorial Carillon at Kings Parade will host the Bathurst Dawn Service at 4.30am.
Departing from the Bathurst RSL at 10.15am, the Anzac Day Parade will make its way to the Carillon for the service at 10.30am.
Services will also be held at Rockley (8.30am), Yetholme (8.30am) and Sofala (2pm).
