"He didn't talk about it much," she said. 

"In fact he used to say, "those who talk most about war are the ones who never truly experience war"."

Ms Causon's brother also fought overseas - in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975. 

But she does know much about his experience either.

"It was easier for him not to talk about it," she said.

"He was 21 when he went away.

"It was a very difficult time for us - my father passed away while he was (overseas)."

Attending her first Anzac Day service in years, Ms Causon said this was one of the reasons she had sub-consciously avoided going. 

"I think maybe it was out of respect for them," she said. 

"They never talked about it, so we never commemorated it."

Ms Causon said she had finally attended a service because her grandson Christian, an army cadet, was participating. 

"It gives you a sense of pride (to watch) Christian," she said. 

"It is good for discipline and concentration, and he really takes pride in it."

Ms Causon said the world would never be free of war.

"We have always had war and I think we always will," she said. 

"It is sad."

Unlike Ms Causon, Joe Jones has been attending Anzac Day services for years. 

On Friday he went to the Bendigo RSL Dawn Service, the Eaglehawk service and parade along Pall Mall. 

Mr Jones, who was a member of the Australian Army but did not serve overseas, said it was important to remember. 

"I was one of the lucky ones," he said. 

"It is important to honour those that served whether it be overseas or not.

"We need to remember all servicemen and women, and what they have done for this country and its freedom."

Mr Jones said she was impressed by the number of children who turned out for the service.

He said it was important for young people to understand their past. 

"It gives them a sense of pride," he said. 

"More and more kids know about (war) - it is great."

Visit www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au for photos from services across Bendigo.