AS WAR veterans grow older and new names are added to the list, the focus of Anzac Day celebrations have started to shift.
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Tradition has it that April 25 commemorated the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served in the Gallipoli campaign.
But, as the war in Afghanistan rages on, 1550 Australian soldiers are still there with another 830 deployed across the Middle East.
Jane McCarthy is the first female president of the Tamworth Returned Services League branch in 110 years.
"We are getting more veterans coming out of the woodwork but it's really our focus this year has been to put the WWII veterans at the front of the march because we may not have them next year," she said.
"Having said that we are getting a lot of younger veterans getting active out there.
"It's certainly a changing landscape from when I joined."
For each soldier deployed overseas, a potential family waits behind in Australia.
Not all of them make it back, and those who do are usually marred by post-traumatic stress or physical disability.
That's where Legacy steps in to help.
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President Greg Roese said the majority of the widows he looks after were left behind after World War II, with an increasing number of Korean and Vietnam war wives.
"We have been advised we have families due to be moving here and we're here to assist when needed," he said.
"We actually changed our constitution some years ago, prior to that we could only assist the widow once a veteran was deceased.
"Now we are able to assist families where even though the veteran may be alive, he could be unable due to mental illness or other disabilities."
Legacy helps war widows to connect with the Department of Veteran's Affairs for pensions and assistance, but the volunteers are also a listening ear when times get tough.
One of the hardest issues with young veterans is the high suicide rate, Mr Roese said.
"It's a very sad state of affairs," he said.
"I still have mates from Vietnam that are in great difficulty and I've lost some to suicide over the years, it's an ongoing problem."
Anzac Day is a commemoration of all people who served or lost their lives in any armed force service.
"Only those who have seen active service could understand the bonds and mate ship you develop when you rely on someone for your life," Mr Roese said.
"That's why on Anzac Day, people need to pause to remember veterans and their families live it day by day."
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
