Veteran to pause for fallen comrades

Don Cotton, a World War II veteran and son of a WWI sniper, will use this Anzac Day to reflect on the importance of remembering the fallen soldiers of war.

Mr Cotton, who was awarded France's Legion of Honour in 2005 for the sacrifices he made to help liberate France in WWII, said we should use this year's commemorative services to learn from the horrors of war.

"Anzac Day means a terrible lot because it is something that happened that I hope will never happen for the younger generation," he said.

"I think the ones that are left behind are the only ones that can explain what we went through and perhaps it can be a deterrent … when you see all your mates dead around you, it is a very difficult thing to take in."

Mr Cotton said this Anzac Day would have extra significance since the passing of good friend Eric Maxton, who with his surviving brother Murray, was also awarded France's Legion of Honour last year.

"My honest belief on Anzac Day is, it's a day of remembrance of not only the living, but also the ones that have lost their lives," he said.

"Well, what did they lose their lives for if somebody doesn't remember them?"

Despite the hardship of war, Mr Cotton said he would do it again.

"I wanted to fight for Australia because Australia was my country," he said.

"But we need to remember what the Anzacs and fallen soldiers went through to make this country safe for the next human beings."