Beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett issued a call to arms on Remembrance Day by urging all Australians to join the battle against veteran suicide.
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The former Victorian premier spoke to a crowd of 3700 gathered at the Australian War Memorial to remember the more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations over more than a century.
"Just this year alone more military veterans have died by their own hand ... than those who died in the 13 years of Australian involvement in the Afghanistan conflict," Mr Kennett said.
"They are bringing the battles here with them. They carry them inside. Too often the battles against depression, post-traumatic stress and anxiety and suicide are fought and lost alone.
"Their private battles must become our cause."
Mr Kennett urged both major parties to support a radical shift in the way veteran services were delivered but acknowledged the government's review of veteran suicide prevention services.
"These are complex issues requiring a multifaceted response, not least of which is to change the culture of the defence force so seeking support for mental health is seen as a strength rather than a weakness," he said.
"Lest we forget, but let us remember and meet our obligations."
There were some in the crowd for whom every day is spent remembering.
Canberra couple Ray and Carole Kimlin's son Paul was one of nine people killed in an Royal Australian Navy helicopter crash in Indonesia in 2005.
"You somehow get the skills to live with it," Mrs Kimlin said.
"Closure is a crazy word. It's skills you have to get."
Lieutenant Kimlin had served with the Navy about nine years when he died aged just 29. A Defence Board of Inquiry later found the primary cause of the accident was a failure of the helicopter's flight control systems.
"We need to be here and we need to talk about him," Mrs Kimlin said.
"It's not only Paul we remember, it's the eight others and the others killed in war and the sacrifice they make."
It was men and women like Lieutenant Kimlin who Radford College student Annie Liao thanked in her poem during the ceremony.
"Although you are not here with us, you will always be in our hearts," the 2016 ACT Simpson Prize recipient said.
"Thank you for your sacrifice. We remember your courage and bravery."
Townsville-based army officer Simon Watch attended the service with his wife, Caetlin, and daughters Emily and Hannah, aged eight and six, respectively.
He said Remembrance Day was, to him, a more solemn occasion than Anzac Day.
"Whereas Anzac Day seems to be a commemoration and celebration of all who have served, Remembrance Day gives us time to reflect," Mr Watch said.
Dignitaries including Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and foreign diplomats laid wreaths, while 102 students from schools throughout Australia showed their gratitude by laying poppies.
Speaking after the service, Australian War Memorial director Brendan Nelson said Friday's ceremony and Mr Kennett's speech served as a reminder of the responsibilities owed to men and women who returned from conflict.
"I'm very proud also for Australia to be reminded that the Australian War Memorial is a living institution," he said.
"It's a place that plays a very important role in helping Australian veterans returning to a country that has no idea what they've done on our behalf, of the impact of their service on them."
- Lifeline 13 11 44
