More than 3000 people who packed into Engadine Town Square for the Anzac Day dawn service were told the need for mateship was probably greater now than at any other time in Australia's history.
Lieutenant Maaz Mir Hazar, of the Sutherland-based 4th/3rd Battalion, also urged people to be vigilant to preserve the values that are dear to Australians.
Lieutenant Mir Hazar, an Army reservist for 10 years and lawyer, who has travelled extensively overseas, came to Australia with his family from Pakistan when he was two years old.
"I have had the opportunity to see things on the other side of the world that make me realise we should not take things for granted," he told the Leader.
Lieutenant Mir Hazar said at the dawn service, "The spirit of Anzac is as relevant today to all of us as it was all those years ago.
"We need to be vigilant that our society remains one that values freedom, tolerance and a fair go for all.
"We need to maintain their sense of commitment, courage and perseverance to get through the tough times.
"Their sense of mateship, of looking after your mate and putting the team before yourself.
"That need for us all to look after each other is probably greater now than at any other time in the past and the Anzacs continually showed this sense of humanity and compassion.
"Through the solemn act of reflection today, and at all other remembrance services, we show their lives were not sacrificed in vain, and that their legacy and memory will forever live on through remembrance, and us as a nation embracing what was then, is now, and will continue to be, the true Anzac spirit."
