Narrabundah man John Donald Hendry, 94, travelled past the Australian War Memorial riding in a green Jeep, before a crowd of 7000 who came to watch the National Ceremony.

His family say the veteran has been marching in Anzac Day services since 1968. On Tuesday, he expressed appreciation that the day is still commemorated across Australia with such reverence.

"It's really rather special, that although it was so long ago, that the remembrance has been maintained and generally done with respect," the veteran said after the ceremony on Tuesday, when he had retired to a home in Reid with his many great-grandchildren.

"Undoubtedly, it's a day of national remembrance. And it is commemorated, and respected throughout the country, cities, country towns, all through the country."

Mr Hendry joined the army about age 18. He served in the 53rd Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment, and said he was stationed at Fort Denison, on an island in Sydney Harbour, when the Japanese came with their submarines and gunfire broke out in 1942.

The year 1942 was also the focus of the Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs' commemorative address at the national ceremony on Tuesday morning. It is 102 years since the landing at Gallipoli, but 2017 also marks 75 years since what the admiral called "our darkest year".

"[The Darwin bombing] was the first of 65 attacks on the Australian Mainland throughout 1942, which even included the war coming to Sydney on the night of 31 May with the audacious Japanese midget submarine attack," he told the crowds.

"It's often said that we came of age at Gallipoli, but I think 1942, it's fair to say, was a year that unified this country like no other, where the war effort became a national imperative.

"In 1942, it was the collective efforts of the whole nation that allowed the year to end with a new dawn, rather than in disaster."

Watching the march from a folding chair under an umbrella on Anzac Parade was Red Hill's Jane Freeman and her niece Kate Hambleton, who was visiting from York in England.

Ms Freeman said it was a day to reflect and remember for their military family. Miss Hambleton's cousin Sam Freeman is in the Air Cadets. The girl's father was in the Air Force, as was her mother.

And Ms Freeman said her husband is serving in the army.

Pilot Officer Shaun McGill was a marshall assisting in Tuesday's veterans' march. After multiple postings the 26-year serving member of the defence force is now in Canberra, studying a Bachelor of Business at ADFA as a commission from the airmen ranks.

He said Anzac Day is about the pride of wearing a uniform, and for all those who had gone before. But also, he said, it was about those that have been affected by service - members and their families.

"I have been affected by my service, but certainly come out the other side. So there is light at the end of the tunnel. But it's just raising awareness to get people to put their hand up, really, when they do have problems."

Earlier on Tuesday, the Australian War Memorial estimated 38,000 people had gathered at the foot of Mount Ainslie to watch the sun rise and to witness the dawn service.

Sapper Curtis McGrath, who lost his legs in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan and went on to become a Paralympic gold medallist in canoeing, spoke to the dimly lit crowds.

"War hasn't always treated us well," he said.

"In the aftermath of so many conflicts, men and women have come home silent, suffering in private, all alone.

"May we, on this Anzac Day, look back on their exceptional courage, endurance, dedication and sacrifice."

Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson said he was proud of Australians' ongoing commitment to the annual commemoration.

"The attendance at this year's Dawn Service shows the enduring connection so many people have to Anzac Day and what it represents for our servicemen and servicewomen – and indeed for all Australians," Dr Nelson said.

"Anzac Day is the day we remember the commitment and sacrifice of all our men and women who have served in conflicts and on operational service, and those who continue to serve today."