Thousands paused on Wednesday to mark 75 years since the fall of Singapore when 1800 Australian lives were lost.
Former prisoner of war James Kerr said he had spent much of his life remembering those who didn't return.
"We lost 164 of my regiment, they died as prisoners of war, so it brings back those memories. Most of those men died unnecessarily."
The solemn service reflected on allied forces too weak and unprepared for Japan's advance.
Australians were among those left with little choice but to surrender.
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove highlighted the haunting conditions experienced by those on the Burma railway.
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Veterans remember fall of Singapore
"A courage of daily sacrifice and determination not to give in not to despair - this unquenchable fortitude got many through those dark times," Sir Cosgrove said.
"It eased the suffering of those who did not survive and preserved the dignity and humanity that captivity and ill-treatment could not dampen or displace."
The Australian spirit was recognised in the direct face of adversity.
"Within days the prisoners had founded the University Of Changi, music and book libraries were established, and the Australian concert party began rehearsing," said Major General Simone Wilkie, representing the Chief of Defence Force.
Sixteen former prisoners of war watched on as the tributes flowed.
Members of the public touched by the service that was, for many, personal.
"My uncle, he died on the Burma railway, he was a prisoner of war for several years," said one.
"My brother was taken at Singapore too, but he died."
Around 2000 people attended the national service to commemorate the fall of Singapore.
Not only did they remember those who lost their lives, but the 15000 Australian soldiers who were taken as prisoners of war.
The Victorian rural city is home to Australia's only ex-prisoner of war memorial.
"We will never forget those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom," said Major General Simon Wilkie.
"We will never forget those who gave their tomorrow so that we might have our today - lest we forget."
