As Australia and New Zealand paused to remember those who served and died in war, those suffering from another conflict in Ukraine were top of mind.
The Last Post rang out across New Zealand on Monday morning, bringing the young and old together.
More than 1000 gathered at the Cenotaph at Auckland's War Memorial Museum. The event was meant to be an invite-only affair to limit the COVID-19 risk, but many more came anyway.
For war veteran Mike Ross this Anzac Day has extra meaning. He wore his own medals, those of his great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.
"We've only just got them back together - like, it's taken a lot of research and to pull that from last year and get it out so it can be shown is special for the family."
Many families got up early to pay their respects and lay poppies at the cenotaph, which saw a new generation remembering soldiers by wearing medals of their relatives.
"It's fantastic because they're learning about what it's all about and one day maybe one of them might join the service," said Sir Wayne Shelford from Auckland RSA.
Sacrifice in service isn't just overseas or historic though. Three airforce personnel died in a helicopter accident on Anzac Day in 2010.
The tragic accident happened when the helicopter crashed into the hills above Pukerua Bay near Wellington on its way for a flyover.
On Monday, 12 years later, those deaths were honoured with a memorial plaque unveiled at Ōhakea.
"Just makes me want to take a few moments to reflect on what it means, you know - you've got three lives lost and another life very significantly affected by this," said Chief of Air Force air vice-marshal Andrew Clark.
But looming over today's commemorations was the sad reality of another brutal war underway in Europe.
The Ukrainian flag flew above Auckland alongside the flags of Anzac nations.
"With the Ukrainian flag flying over the war memorial museum it's a reminder that people are out there still fighting for their freedom and independence," said Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.
