Despite a push towards veteran-only marches in Victoria, Kangaroo Flat RSL president Ivon Hutcheson said the parade would go on as normal.

“Everyone tends to not want them to march this year, but we do.

“The school children and families all join in and lay wreaths to remember the people who lost their lives to give us ours.”

Mr Hutcheson said it was important for children to celebrate Anzac Day, and interest among schools was growing.

”Most of them hold their own service the day before.”

Mr Hutcheson said families were also encouraged to join in the march to remember the veterans who couldn’t be there.

“We’ll probably have 30 or 40 RSL members plus the schools marching behind us. Not a whole lot, unfortunately.

“A lot of our members are getting a bit long in the tooth.”

RSL member and ladies secretary Dot Handley said it was good to see children marching alongside their fathers and grandfathers in the parade.

“There’s one boy from Maryborough in scouts and he won’t march with them - because he comes to Kangaroo Flat to march with his poppy.

“It’s lovely to see.”

A dawn service will be held at 6.30am at the Kanagroo Flat war memorial.

The parade, which will be led by local scouts and the Marist Brothers band, starts at 9.30am, followed by a second memorial service.

Breakfast and morning tea will be held at the RSL hall after each service.