Some lay in trenches, in camouflage clothes, while others wear pressed uniforms and work and march among their peers.

They have humbly endured many years of service, perhaps fought in battle, often without seeking any praise.

As thousands prepared to commemorate Anzac Day this year, just as many prepared to watch the final instalment in the Avengers movie series.

The cinema at 8pm on opening night in Wagga was packed.

The audience clapped, cried and laughed together and let out a cheer at the end.

Avengers: Endgame was a fitting finale to the Marvel universe that has captured the imaginations of millions of fans who admire the bravery, courage and tenacity of the merry band of heroes and misfits.

While it seems an odd comparison to make between war veterans and a fictional universe of characters, and by no means are we trying to trivialise veterans, similarities between the two became clear this week.

The Marvel universe gave fans multiple heroes to worship, to cheer for and to mourn the loss of.

Their powers and costumes seem outlandish but strip that away and focus on what they stand for - justice, good above evil and banding together to fight for a common cause - it rings all too true, especially on a day like Anzac Day.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with worshipping these fictional heroes.

For 22 movies and countless more comic books, Marvel has given fans an escape and characters to cheer for.

But this week, more than ever, it's important not to lose sight of our tangible heroes, the ones we can see and appreciate for the real sacrifices they made.

The sacrifice of a veteran is no less significant on any other day of the year though.

We do not need to wait until April 25 to show our appreciation and gratitude to servicemen and women, past and present.

Hold those fictional characters in high regard but spare a thought for our real-life superheroes too.