On a day where thousands paid their respects at the street parade and various ceremonies across the city, Hay-born Warren McDonald, a senior figure in Australian Defence, delivered in Wagga a piercing message of hope, sacrifice and reflection.

As the guest speaker during Wednesday’s ceremony at the Victory Memorial Gardens, Chief of Joint Capabilities Air Vice-Marshal McDonald publicly reflected on a day 39 years ago where he, like many other young boys, failed to understand the significance of the Anzacs.

“I stood where many of you stood today not wanting to be there,” he told the assembled crowd.

With the benefit of hindsight and years of service, Air Vice-Marshal McDonald then delivered his careful message of hope and humility almost four decades in the making.

“I often wonder what those who have died in conflict to protect this nation would say if they stood where I am,” he said.

“I think that, in a very humble and penetrating voice, they may say to us the following – look after each other, respect your community … and value education.”

Air Vice-Marshal McDonald told the crowd he was confident the ghosts of fallen servicemen and servicewomen would ask Australians to “put the needs of the nation” ahead of their own.

He also spoke of the “tangible but unspoken” request made by those who returned.

“I have seen in their [returning servicemen and servicewomen] eyes the unmistakable hope that we many never face the horror they did,” he said.

The words held particular significance for Wagga mayor Greg Conkey, who paid tribute to those who served overseas, including his family members.

“My wife’s grandfather and my great-uncle served at Gallipoli and my grandmother was an Anzac Girl who nursed the sick and injured in Egypt,” he said.

“My father [also] served in the Pacific during the second world war.”