Nicole Bradley served in the Australian Army for two decades but she had never taken part in the Anzac Day march.
There's several reasons why, but like many of her female colleagues in the 'By The Left' group it centres around notions their service wasn't appreciated and they didn't feel welcome.
"You don't feel like your service is validated," Ms Bradley told AAP, smiling after completing her first march.
"It was really emotional to do it today."
At Wednesday's march, there was a real effort to recognise the place of women and their contributions to defence forces, Ms Bradley said.
The 'By the Left' group of about 50, drawn from the Army, was the second group to march through Brisbane.
"When I was thinking about marching at other times, I didn't know where I would march," she said.
"It's probably reservations on my behalf that were maybe unnecessary, but they've always been there."
Proudly displaying her medals earned during 22 years of service, including overseas deployments, Ms Bradley said she had enjoyed being in the Brisbane commemorations.
Ms Bradley marched with friend Lieutenant Colonel Tamara Foxall, who she signed up with 25 years ago.
"We were actually standing together when we took the oath," Ms Bradley said.
Encouragingly, no one had questioned why the women wore their medals of the left side of their chest, as is customary for veterans.
"We'll see how we go at the pub later, that might be the tester," Ms Bradley joked.
Thousands of onlookers took up spots along George, Adelaide and Creek streets to pay their respects, with crowds of between 40,000 and 60,000 expected.
People of all ages watched on and clapped as the procession made its way through the city to the precise rhythm of defence force drummers.
Overhead fighter jets soared through clear skies, with the shriek of engines briefly drowning out the murmurs of those watching the parade.
Older diggers were ferried past the crowds in army jeeps, many waving and grinning enthusiastically with the occasional thumbs up.
Earlier on Wednesday crowds carrying umbrellas gathered in early morning gloom for the dawn service, which was held at Anzac Square.
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