For retired Major Benjamin Day, the armistice of World War One is just as important today as it was 100 years ago.
The retired British Royal Engineers major came to honour those he served with and those still in theatres of war.
"It is important to remember friends and colleagues, the guys that I trained ... who never came back, and those who are still had some life-changing injuries that are battling with it now on a daily basis," he told AAP at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
"It is important that everyone understands the impact it has."
He served in tours in the Middle East including the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and in Afghanistan.
His wife Amanda Day said it was important to share the sacrifices with their two children so that they understood the freedoms Australians enjoy.
Hundreds of veterans and their families gathered on Sunday at Shrine of Remembrance, observing a minute's silence.
Sandra Borthwick, from Pascoe Vale, came with her daughter and granddaughters to pay respect to her great uncle, who served in the Boxer Rebellion and World War I.
"He came home. He was one of the lucky ones," she said of Frank Richard Morris, who served until age 46.
The Last Post bugle call sounded and silence fell across those gathered as planes flew overhead
Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau gave the key address, speaking of the armistice at 11am on November 11, 100 years ago.
Premier Daniel Andrews, opposition leader Matthew Guy and Senator Mitch Fifield also laid wreaths.
Australian Associated Press
