Anzac legacy is being passed on to 'Little Diggers'

For the "Little Diggers" pre-schoolers waiting for the Anzac parade to begin, it's mostly about the thrill of seeing a horse.

But it's also about remembering those who fought in Australia and New Zealand's armed forces.

Five-year-old Easton Hitch whose great-grandfather served in WWII, explains the significance of the national day of remembrance. 

"On Anzac Day 'lest we forget' - it means not to forget the soldiers," he said on Wednesday.

He and his classmates are waiting to see their "grand-friends" march down the street outside their pre-school inside Anzac Village, a retirement home for veterans at Narrabeen on Sydney's northern beaches.

Four-year-old Hugh Berkhout is looking for a high-five.

"They fought for this land," he says before shouting: "Holy cow I can see a horse!"

Reflecting on the Anzac experience and sharing a part of history with younger generations is important to former governor-general and defence chief Sir Peter Cosgrove.

It's a "passing of the baton" he says, while helping a room of youngsters glue the final touches to a wreath of hand-made poppies, a symbol to remember those who died in war.

"I'm pretty confident that the nation still wants to celebrate the idea of Anzac Day ... not to glorify war but to salute those who put themselves in harm's way." 

Almost eight in 10 Australians say they plan to commemorate Anzac Day - an eight per cent increase on last year, according to research commissioned by RSL LifeCare and conducted by YouGov.

Almost two in three Australians (63 per cent) say they knew a current or past member of the defence force.

"War is crazy. War is the last thing any human could ever wish upon the other," Sir Peter says.

"But we know that at some stages people must stand up for their values and to defend others (and) in Australia we stand for human rights and peaceful coexistence."

The sentiment might be a little difficult for the children to understand but it's one he hopes will live on. 

Hundreds of residents and their relatives and friends lined the streets of the aged-care village to watch the parade and attend a service on Wednesday, ahead of April 25.

One in four of the residents living at RSL Anzac Village Narrabeen served in the defence force, with many joining the parade.

"There's a soldier ... a real soldier!" one little boy says pointing towards an elderly man adorned with service medals. 

"You have to be brave to get them," another boy adds.

"I saw one with a sword!" says another. 

No matter the generation, we share a country "that is free because of a spirit, a connection to community, because of service and sacrifice that has been made possible thanks to hundreds of thousands of service personnel", Sir Peter says.

"We should continue to share the message and meaning of Anzac Day not only on 25 April each year, but all year round. Lest we forget."