Although the ranks of returned World War II servicemen and women grow thinner each year, growing attendances show their sacrifices to ensure our freedoms have not been forgotten.

Berwick RSL secretary George Nicholson, who opened the ceremony, acknowledged the selflessness and bravery of those who have served in conflict, and those still on peacekeeping missions.

He also spoke of the Anzac spirit, saying it was akin to that shown in the Black Saturday bushfires - illustrating how Australians have always come to the aid of a mate in need.

He then introduced the guest speaker, Berwick Fire Brigade captain Alan Boyd.

Talking about Black Saturday and the Anzac spirit, Captain Boyd said it was about making a difference.

"It epitomises what we do and what others have done before us," he said.

Captain Boyd also spoke about his father, who served in an Australian regiment known as the the North Australia Observer Unit during World War II.

The units were established in remote parts of northern Australia to report by wireless telephony, to their headquarters in Katherine, any possible Japanese invasion force.

The observer units were fondly nicknamed the Australian Bush Commandos.

"On February 19, 1942, Darwin was bombed and Australia was in danger of being invaded by the Japanese."

Captain Boyd spoke of further bombings near Darwin and northern Queensland and of the hundreds of Australians who died; of the inhospitable land; and what the bush commandos had to endure to help defend Australia from invasion.

"Those men's families never knew where they were - they knew if there was an invasion they were expendable."

Berwick RSL president Les Lucas closed the ceremony by reading the Anzac Requiem and the Ode, followed by the Last Post and a minute's silence.

Then the crowd bowed their heads to repeat the words, Lest We Forget.

Every year Anzac Day brings with it many stories - some that will never be forgotten, and those that will never be told first-hand by those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The ranks from previous wars will continue to diminish; but current servicemen and women will continue to serve Australia with distinction as they defend others from tyranny.