ON this centenary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli the people of Port Macquarie, like all Australians and New Zealanders, will remember and honour the fallen with special reverence.
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Despite the fact WWI was tagged the war to end all wars, Australians have fought many battles in the 100 years since the first Diggers landed at Gallipoli.
Someone who has strong ties to the Anzac tradition, and is himself a serviceman, will speak at the Port Macquarie ceremony on April 25 at the Town Green War Memorial.
Major Ian Lakey's great great uncle, infantryman Private Ernest Thomas Lakey, was killed in the August offensive at Gallipoli and is buried at Lone Pine Cemetery.
His father, Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch secretary Kevin Lakey, served in the Australian Army artillery service for 38 years, and the major has served the Royal Australian Corp of Transport for 23 years.
Major Lakey said he joined the force after growing up having family and many friends in the service.
He said his speech on Anzac Day will be "a surprise".
"I haven't been given any guidelines," Major Lakey said.
"For as long as I can remember I have attended the Anzac Day dawn service and of course it is compulsory in the service.
"I was in Port Macquarie last year and the year before at Kandahar, Afghanistan."
Major Lakey believes Australians in general have a strong attachment to the Anzacs.
"Young soldiers, sailors and airmen of today have a strong belief in what they do and will certainly continue the tradition [of Anzac Day].
"General public interest in Anzac Day has grown, especially with the centenary, and continues to grow. It is part of the Australian spirit."
He has spent many Anzac ceremonies in Darwin where he has been posted on three occasions, first in 1998, then a decade later, and finally in 2012.
In between there have been deployments to the Middle East and postings to other Australian states.
"My wife's father was also in the service so she understands and is very supportive of my career."
He said his boys saw all the transfers as a bit of an adventure when they were young.
"The only states I haven't been posted are Tasmania and South Australia.
"It's a great lifestyle and I get to meet a diverse range of people from all over Australia.
Major Lakey also says life in the Army has kept him fit and active in sport.
His current task is assisting members who are separating from the force, advising on career transition training and courses for future employment. He plans to serve for at least two more years.
One of the treasures that will travel with him in the future are his great great uncle's medals and death penny.
"They used to be kept in a Princess Mary Christmas tin from 1914, but I have recently had them remounted."
Although serving members are not able to wear the medals issued to their ancestors, no doubt they will have pride of place in the family home.
