Diggers honour forebears, colleagues

Former commando Glen O'Brien stood by himself as he watched the Brisbane Anzac Day parade march past him on Monday.

Moments earlier, the Vietnam veteran himself had walked down the same patch of Adelaide Street.

He marched for his colleagues, but also on behalf of his father and grandfather.

His father fought against the Japanese in WWII, while his grandfather was one of the original diggers at Gallipoli.

Mr O'Brien never used to take part in Anzac Day commemorations because he didn't feel like he was entitled.

"I didn't do much," he said, despite the fact he served from 1969 to 1972.

Mr O'Brien said he only decided to participate recently.

"If you don't march, the next time you do, someone has died," he said.

The former Army serviceman said Anzac Day had the unique ability to unite all Australians.

"Everyone here (at the march) is delighted with what they're doing," he said.

"It's our day."

Gordon Rothe was a member of the Royal Australian Navy for 23 years.

He chose to watch the Brisbane Anzac Day parade rather than take part.

"Everyone has been very respectful," Mr Rothe said.

"I think Anzac Day should be important to everyone because they allowed us to live the lifestyle we do."

AAP smc/jsm/A former Queensland servicemen has said Anzac Day's importance is its ability to unite Australians from all walks of life.