There is nothing quite like the poignant sound of a lone bugler playing 'The Last Post'.
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Spine-tingling and evocative, 'The Last Post' signals the end, not merely of the day, but of earthly life. It exists beyond all barriers of nation, race, gender, religion or class.
The simple cadence of those five notes has become a humbling and reverential call to remembrance, charged with emotion and the memory of fallen generations.
The historical significance alone is enough to give send a shiver through you; even if you have never personally experienced a warzone, or served in the Australian military or Army Reserve.
Mr Darrell Bestwick, a Wauchope local, and Veteran of the Vietnam War, is a resident at Bundaleer's Cameron Street Care Home.
He joined the Army for his National Service in 1957 as a part of the Gunner Armament, responsible for maintenance of all armoury and equipment.
He served 12 months active duty in Vietnam with the One Field Regiment.
The recollections are etched in his memory, as fresh as if they happened only yesterday, and not more than 50 years ago.
"The camaraderie among the allies was pretty special. The American soldiers especially were great value with their 'gung-ho' attitude.
"And they had very generous ration packs - they got 5 cigarettes a day, each! Whenever we had a party, we made sure to invite them because we all had corned beef, but they had all the good gear and all the good food!" remembered Mr Bestwick.
"There is definitely a bond among those of us who served our country that some people may not understand. That's the other side of the Anzac legend.
"The great mateship and bonds of kinship that are formed in military service, and that's why soldiers, sailors and airmen love to go for a beer and have a good time."
Mr Bestwick also told the story of being at the now legendary concert by Australian singers Little Pattie and Col Joye for more than 1,000 soldiers at the Australian Base Nui Dat on August 18, 1966.
"It was a bit of fun and although we were in a war zone, there was nothing to suggest the trouble that was brewing, even when the performers were whisked off stage mid-performance and evacuated when things got a bit noisy.
"The 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment went out to see what the noise was, but it wasn't until the early hours of the next morning that the Viet Cong attacked and the Battle of Long Tan escalated. We were all asleep in our pyjamas and thongs at the time and woke to the orders 'To the pits, to the pits'. I'll never forget it.
"Another thing that will stay with me forever is the gun barrels we used in return fire got so hot from continually firing that the steel turned a dull, glowing orange, like they were on fire.
"We lost 18 comrades in that battle and another 24 were wounded.
"I don't march anymore, because I can't, but I used to. I had a great bond with the blokes that I served with. They were the only people I could really talk to, because they could understand what you'd been through.
Anzac Day is about sacrifice and service and it's about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives for Australia.
- Darrell Bestwick
"Anzac Day was a great excuse to catch up and talk shop and pay our respects to the mates that we lost."
"For us, the sounding of the Last Post is symbolic of another friend lost, so I hope I don't hear it too many times on Anzac Day."
While Mr Bestwick does not plan to participate in the march on Anzac Day, he intends to remember his fallen comrades at the Bundaleer Anzac Day memorial.
Around the country, Anzac Day will see Australians pause and reflect and acknowledge the sacrifices made during war with a day of remembrance, memorials and marches.
A National day of solemnity and respect, on Anzac Day we will remember those who have lost their lives in Australian military and peacekeeping operations.
We will honour those who have served and those who are still serving. We will mark the pain and triumph of Australia's sacrifice and reflect on the futility of war.