Adelaide's Anzac Day 2023

More than 8000 people were up before dawn to attend the commemoration at the South Australian National War Memorial on North Terrace, with delegates including politicians and service clubs, plus the public in attendance.

A song called Sapper's Lullaby, written by diplomat and songwriter Fred Smith, was played by singer and guitarist Greg Hart. Fred was inspired to write the track after attending ceremonies for Jacob 'Snowy' Moerland and Darren Smith, and explosion detective dog Herbie, who were all killed in action in Afghanistan on June 7, 2010.

"These young engineers, whose job is to clear the roads that we may pass. Always out front, and when they bear the brunt, man it happens fast," the lyrics read.

"Sapper D Smith had a wife and a son, the apple of his eye. Snowy Moerland was just 21, way too young to die."

During the service, RSL SA Anzac Day committee chair Ian Smith drove home the cost of conflict.

"Anzac Day has never been about the glorification of war, or success in battle. After all, our Anzac traditions spring from a costly disaster," he said.

"Anzac Day has a single focus: The commemoration of Australian and New Zealand veterans who offered and often sacrificed their lives in our name.

"It is a time we acknowledge that we are commemorating a willingness to serve and sacrifice for our land and its people. This applies as much to our young people currently serving on peacekeeping border protection and other operations as it did to those that served in the First World War."

He said war "often leaves permanent marks on those who endure it - physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally" - not those just in combat, but the civilians around it.

The experience of the armed forces - and what happens once someone leaves - can also be volatile.

"War often also inspired the ancient human virtues of courage, loyalty, selflessness and comradeship. It is a combination that can be utterly intoxicating and veterans returning home or leaving the services can feel a deep sense of alienation in their new environment, causing isolation and depression," Ian said.

"Many veterans commemorating alone in Australia, New Zealand and across the world will be missing their mates and finding Anzac Day hard. Many would appreciate a call from former comrades, friends and family."

The morning included the unveiling of an updated Post-World War II Operations Memorial, with an additional 25 names added to the list, taking it to 100. The names include those who have fallen from the occupation of Japan immediately after the Second World War, up to recent operations in the Middle East.

"It's a great feeling of accomplishment to get this done and one of the most important things about it is that all of these people's names are now on the principal state memorial for the fallen, alongside the World War I names (within the war memorial) and the wall of honour (outside)," Ian said.

The late Sapper Jamie Larcombe, of Kangaroo Island, was among the names added to the list. He was killed in action at Afghanistan on February 19, 2011, aged just 21. His parents Steven and Tricia Larcombe, of Stokes Bay, travelled over from the island to see the plaque unveiled with their son's name on it.

The Anzac March followed the service, with the public lining King William Road across the River Torrens to pay their respects with waves and claps. It also gave a chance for comrades and friends to catch up.

Colonel Peter Scott was in the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment. He joined it in 1949 with Sergeant Barney Clothier. During the march, Peter was joined by six of Barney's sons, who had also served in the armed forces.

"It's quite important and very emotional for me to be with these guys who I served with their father," Peter said.

One of Barney's sons, Mike Clothier, had only met Peter about five years ago, and said it was an honour to be with Peter during the march.

Once the formalities were over, it was back to the Torrens Parade Ground to enjoy good company and relax.

Roger Guest, Ian Lawson and Bruce Hart were part of the Navy's naval base HMAS Encounter, and had been marching for more than 30 years.

Roger wore his medals and those of his dad, who had fought in World War II in areas including North Africa.

Bruce said it was "great to meet up with old mates".

"We know what Anzac Day means to everybody, for the fallen, and hopefully we can keep going for a lot longer."