Brian Lorback, an 80-year-old Vietnam vet, says many his fellow combatants continue to have a lot of problems without much help.

“We were practically bathed in Agent Orange. It worked on the enemy but it worked on a lot of diggers as well,” he said.

Mr Lorback says government bureaucracies can be slow to process claims for assistance, so veterans rely a lot on their own networks for help.

“A lot of people seek out groups with whom they can share their experiences. You need peer support to get your positive juices going. Otherwise you just go downhill,” he said. 

Mr Lorback also said going to war took its toll on many relationships.

“So many marriages have gone downhill,” he said. 

ANZAC Day Services organiser Ken Martin agreed that Australia has a long way to go in terms of how it treats its veterans. 

“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder impacts on so many soldiers. Suicide rates are high,” he said. 

Margaret Sheppard, the only World War II hero at the ANZAC Day service in Darlington Point, reflected on the positive side of being in the armed forces.

“The comradeship was amazing. I made so many friends for life,” she said.

While only one friend who served alongside her in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force is still alive, the 94-year-old Ms Sheppard plans to be around for much longer yet.

“I’ve got a few more of these ANZAC services to go,” she said.