Melbourne ceremony marks sacrifice of war - NEWS.com.au

THE first recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia says Remembrance Day is an emotional day, and one that deserves respect.

Mark Donaldson, the first Australian to receive the country's highest military honour in 40 years, was among a crowd of 5000 people in Melbourne, including the prime minister, who gathered to mark the 95th year since the end of the First World War.

He says Remembrance Day was "just another day at work" for Australian soldiers stationed overseas, but treated with the same respect as back home.

"For me Remembrance Day is not really about politics - it's a chance for myself and anyone else in Australia to remember what the guys went through," he said.

"In the modern era, and the conflicts that we have been involved in recently, it's a chance for the newer generation of diggers or veterans to be able to remember their mate that they've lost."

Prime Minister Tony Abbott joined attendees at the service at the Shrine of Remembrance, which saw a formal military parade and a minute's silence.

At the service, the RAAF flew past the shrine while Victoria's Governor Alex Chernov led the wreath-laying ceremony, with Mr Abbott laying a wreath along with school students.

Mr Chernov said the day was to remember, honour and thank the armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said it was pleasing to see the involvement of young people at the service.

"We are a free, democratic country today because of the sacrifice of their grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers and mothers over many generations, he said.

War veteran Pete Symes, 54, served for seven months in Afghanistan.

His three cousins also served in Vietnam, along with other family members.

He said Remembrance Day isn't about glorifying war.

"It's about remembering people who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice," Mr Symes said.

Korean War veteran Tom Parkinson read the Ode of Remembrance, with a group of young drummers from Caulfield South Primary School performing to conclude the ceremony.