My view is simple - ANZAC Day was initially for Veterans and the public to honour fallen comrades and a social occasion for surviving veterans to catch up.
The young who have never experienced war find value in using the day to honour wholesome Australian values, especially that of mateship, and to respect the selfless personal sacrifice members of the armed forces have made for their mates and for Australian society.
While I'm a strong believer in improving veterans rights and have advocated on their behalf while working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including in the then-named Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service, I've never served in the armed forces and don't feel connected anymore when attending Anzac Day events.
Personally I don't think Anzac Day is an appropriate time to publicly focus on the rights and wrongs of Australia getting involved in wars because I think that probably detracts from how the majority of veterans want to use their day.
