Anzac Day Gold Coast 2020: Vietnam veteran Peter Dalgrin plans to still remember mates on Anzac Day

This Anzac Day won’t be the same for Vietnam veteran Peter Dalgrin but he’s still going to find a way to reflect on his time in service and remember his mates.

VIETNAM veteran Peter Dalgrin knows this Saturday will not be same, but has thought long and hard on how he will reflect on his time in service and remember his mates.

Mr Dalgrin has had to find another way to pay his respects with Gold Coast Anzac Day commemorations not going ahead because of COVID-19.

The 80-year-old says he has already spoken to police about his Anzac Day plan, to ensure he is staying within lockdown regulations.

“I live in Nerang, I’m going to walk over to the shrine at four o’clock in the morning,” he said.

“I’ll be wearing my medals and do my own little service there.

“I’ll come home and watch the ABC, then I’ll walk out to my driveway with my gear on and the Australia flag.

“I’ve asked if a bugle can play throughout the 97-unit complex.”

Vietnam veteran Peter Dalgrin. Picture Glenn Hampson

The Gold Coast Bulletin is encouraging the national push to light candles at dawn from the end of their driveways, balconies or windows to honour the Anzacs.

Mr Dalgrin said it was a brilliant idea.

“I entered the army when I was 17 and I was 37 when I came out,” he said.

“I ended up being Warrant Officer Class One, I’m pretty proud of that.

“I fought in Vietnam for one year in 1966 and we didn’t get any recognition when we got home, but I’m getting it now.

“The appreciation for us now has never been stronger.”

Peter Dalgrin served in Vietnam in 1966. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The Tasmanian settled on the Gold Coast after being transferred 60 years ago. He married and had four children before fighting in Vietnam.

Now a grandfather to eight and a great-grandfather of one, Mr Dalgrin is keeping himself busy in isolation writing his memoir titled Three weddings and no funerals.

The sport fanatic has reflected on playing in Australian football premierships, hitting a hole-in-one on St Andrews and winning a gold medal at the 2002 World Masters in Melbourne.