He has 15 service medals - coincidently, the same amount of invitations he received to Anzac Day ceremonies this year.

But he will stand proudest at Valentine Lions Club's Anzac centenary service.

This year, for the first time, the club will hold a street march from Allambee Place to Allambee Park.

Usually the march winds around the park's parameters, but club president Bruce Harris said the grass surface was uneven and unsafe.

Last year Mr Hodgson, 92, had to sit out the march because torrential rain made the grass difficult for him to walk on.

It was at Mr Hodgson's suggestion the club decided to move the annual event from the park to the street to benefit about 25 veterans who march each year.

However, the retired army colonel was thinking about more than just his overworked knees when he made this suggestion.

"Troops like to hear the pat, pat of boots hitting the ground, that's how they march in time," Mr Hodgson said.

"Put them on the grass and they move like a tin of worms."

Mr Hodgson served in World War II and the Vietnam War.

In between, he was an Australian military observer to the United Nations.

In June Mr Hodgson clocks up 70 years with Merewether RSL Sub-Branch. He is also an associate member of Speers Point, Cardiff and Pelican sub-branches.

It is plain to see why Mr Hodgson is so highly sought after when it comes to Anzac Day services, but he said there was one stop he had to make this year.

"I particularly want to be here [in Valentine] - it's my local area," he said.

"It's important to me."

■ The Valentine Lions Club Anzac Day march starts at 10am at Allambee Place, near Jackson Lane. All are welcome to enjoy Anzac biscuits and tea in the park from 10.30am.