From dropping bombs on the enemy to growing produce to feed the troops, war is a nationwide effort that requires everyone's cooperation to fight for a free and just world.
We're incredibly lucky there are still people alive who served in World War II, either on the front lines or behind the scenes, who are able to tell their stories with candor and humility.
But even today, conflict is pervasive and affects the lives of millions, making you wonder, what have we learned from this?
Below is a selection of stories from people who have lived through conflict, or want to honour those who came before them and make sure no story goes untold.
Lest We Forget.
* Click the story titles to read more about each one
The 101-year-old military pilot flew across the English Channel to bomb a headland in France on the first day of this famous battle that helped bring an end to German occupation in western Europe.
But the amazing sight of endless ships in the waters below were tempered by memories of the "longest three hours" of his life every time he prepared to fly: the realisation that there was a high chance he'd never make it home.
Sometimes, bombers like Bill Purdy needed an extra pair of eyes and ears to navigate the skies as weather conditions made it impossible to see their targets below. Enter women like Barbara Archer, whose radar work formed part of a clever method for tracking the planes and communicating with the pilot remotely, without tipping off the enemy. This is how they did it.
Ben Farinazzo, a veteran from East Timor, suffered from psychological trauma and felt discarded and alone after finishing his military service. His experience is shared by thousands of other veterans who also struggle with life after serving. The Australian War Memorial's Sculpture Garden has immortalised their pain in the form of marble 'droplets' that represent the blood, sweat, and tears shed by veterans with poor mental health.
According to Ben, this sculpture represents a significant step towards the healing process and acknowledges the wounded veterans and their families.
A toy factory behind the infamous Big Rocking Horse in the Adelaide Hills was once home to Brian Harvey's family farm.
He recalls the time it played a crucial role in World War II, when it was used as a site to dry potatoes for troops to eat.
Of the 36,400 Australian servicemen and women who have been prisoners of war during conflicts across the globe stretching from WWI to the Korean War, just 10 remain.
Memories of their courage, sacrifice, mateship and resilience during captivity stay strong and are honoured through the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.
Rohan used a little-little-known service offered by the Australian Defence Force where relatives can apply for unawarded medals on behalf of family members. This is how he did it.
Shortly before the Japanese captured of Rabaul in 1942, Australian women and children were given evacuation orders to return to Australia. But once they were home, many were forced to fend for themselves, with no support from the government, and no family connections after years living abroad.
Their story has been neglected, but retired serviceman and Macquarie University Master of Research candidate John Reeves wants to change that by hearing from any surviving evacuees.
World War II veteran Dr Ronald Houghton described the mateship between Bomber Command crew as "an extraordinary bond that remains with you for life".
The centenarian flew Halifax bombers with No.102 Squadron RAF, which was responsible for bombing raids over enemy territory in France, Holland, Germany, and Belgium.
With Bomber Command personnel's high death rate always looming, he shares the incredible story of his crew, the cheekily-named 'Joe's Flying Circus'.
A suitcase filled with sporting trophies, running spikes, certificates, championship flags and more; where could all this stuff come from?
These items belonged to Stanley Allen, a World War II veteran and the grandfather-in-law of Dr Kate Bricknell. She took this discovery as an opportunity to coordinate a history project for her students, where they'd not only develop their research skills, but also to honour and celebrate Stanley's life.
"A soldier is a person who has a family, hobby, interests, talents and things they wanted to achieve and places they wanted to go, but couldn't because of the war," she said.
Irene Dixon, 101, describes her time in the Australian Women's Land Army as "honest, hard work".
She is believed to be the last surviving South Australian member of the organisation, which was formed during World War II to combat rising labour shortages in the farming sector. Among the tasks were picking fruit and helping in factories to dry potatoes.
"We went wherever we were needed. It wasn't the type of work I was used to on the farm, as I was given the 'girl' jobs at home," she said. "Everybody would do their bit. I can't remember anyone ever getting into trouble for not doing the right thing. We were all hard workers."
Many of the pictures above are nearly 110 years old. They were taken by World War I and II veteran, John Mortimer Leahey, who was Therese Murray's grandfather.
Today, she has the privilege of telling his story, one of a naughty boy who lied about his age twice so he could fight in both wars.
