People gathered shoulder to shoulder from all walks of life, to pay their respects to all those who have served in defence past and present, at this year’s Wollongong Anzac Day march. 

The Mercury asked three people from different generations why the day was important and if they had any background in the armed forces.

The first was Michael Morath a brave wartime hero who served in the Vietnam war as a third cavalry regiment with a family history that only advocates pure sacrifice to Australia.

“We remember the blokes that we lost, the ones who were injured, and the ones who haven't done so well since we got back,” he said.

Morath’s father was named after his great uncle who was killed during the battle in Gallipoli, and went on to serve in World War II. His grandfather also served in World War I. 

Read More: Anzac heroes honoured at Wollongong dawn services: photos

Young woman Brooke was proud to watch the march because of close family ties and said “it is a day to remember the people who sacrificed their lives for us”.

“It’s my grandfathers big day, he was part of the national serviceman,” she said. 

Meanwhile Beau Byers has dedicated over eleven years of his life to the armed forces and has a family full of national serviceman past and present.  

“A fairly strong military background has led to develop that sense of how important this day is” Byers said.

Over a 1000 people payed their respects at the Wollongong service.