Anzac Day always comes back to family for Navy Petty Officer Russell Gordon.
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The Eden Marine High graduate has been in the Navy for more than 14 years and it is where he met his wife Crystal, with Anzac Day becoming a shared reflection on the past for the pair.
"Anzac Day is a time to remember and show gratitude to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country to make it what it is today," PO Gordon said.
He said Anzac ceremonies were always "poignant, sombre and respectful" and that it was "significant to me as a time for my wife and I to reflect on times past and our journey together as serving members."
But since having daughter Lara in 2014, Anzac Day also gives the pair pause for the future.
"Being part of the defence force has definitely gained importance to me since becoming a father," PO Gordon said.
"Providing a future for our children is the most important role as a parent and my minuscule contribution to the country's safety and freedom makes me proud as a dad - family is everything to me."
On joining the Navy, PO Gordon said he had always wanted to make his mum proud.
"That was my biggest influence to enlist, but my grandfather had served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II in the Pacific - that influenced me too."
Anzac Day can be a conflicting day for many, grieving for those lost, but also filled with national pride for those currently serving to protect the freedoms Australians enjoy every day.
PO Gordon said he felt incredibly proud to pull on his formal dress for the day and that his best day in service had been during Anzac Day in 2015.
"My wife and I had arranged with our units to participate in the Anzac Day march in Wollongong, which was extra special because four of the most important people in my world were with me," he said.
"My wife was marching beside me for the first time, but having our little girl Lara seeing both her parents march with my mum and sister was incredible.
"It was an incredibly proud moment to march and see them, it's a memory I will never forget and I still get goosebumps from the experience that day."
While deployed on HMAS Anzac last year, PO Gordon was among the select few to commemorate Anzac Day at Hellfire Pass in Thailand.
"Being a part of a service there magnifies the experience," he said.
"Hellfire Pass is one of the most notorious sections of the Burma Railway where people were subjected to abuse and torture at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II.
"It has become hallowed ground and the service stirs very strong emotions, even for those who have not served."
He said sharing the national day gave him a great sense of pride, but said it was encouraging to see the growing involvement of young Australians.
"I love seeing more and more people genuinely interested in Anzac Day and participating in commemorations not only in Australia, but all over the world," he said.
"It's so important for all Australians to make this day special and take the time to honour and reflect on those sacrifices made."