THE Anzac memory will be honoured at Mercy Place, where the lives of some residents were clearly shaped by World War Two.
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For Norma McDowell, 84, it was her husband-to-be, Alex, who served as a signaller in the army.
The couple met at a church social after Mr McDowell’s return from New Guinea when the war ended. Together they raised five boys and a girl at a Mepunga East farm.
Mr McDowell died in 2000 and his widow says that although he didn’t speak often of the war, Anzac Day was always a special day for him.
“As long as I’ve known Alex it was important to him,” she said. “He always marched and wanted to be a part of it.
“Any time we went to Canberra he loved going to the war memorial. He told me how he could remember being in the hills and seeing the Japanese on the hill just over the way from him.”
For 96-year-old Tom Zanos, Saturday will bring back a mix of memories.
From 1943-45 Mr Zanos served in New Guinea and Bougainville. He was thrust into the jungles to assist engineers with the 3rd and 7th divisions building bridges, roads and carrying munitions.
Born and bred in Warrnambool, Mr Zanos served on the city council for six years from 1949.
He and his wife Elsie were married for 65 years and had four children.
Mr Zanos said growing interest in Anzac Day by younger generations was a huge source of pride.
Naomi Nicholl, 90, said Anzac Day would always be special to people for different reasons.
Her husband Cliff worked in signals with the Australian air force and was stationed in Townsville when they met.
They married in 1946 and had two boys and two girls.
Mercy Place will hold a commemoration ceremony on Saturday at 11am.
Residents have made a wreath of 100 felt poppies and an avenue of honour has been created so residents and visitors can pay their respects.
