This year, as Australians stand as one to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, my journey from the commission flats of North Melbourne to Victoria's Minister for Veterans is perhaps one only the most sentimental at heart could have scripted.

After all, Anzac Day is an occasion for all Australians to reflect on the stories that matter to them in their own unique way. As the grandson of Hamdi Isteni, a captain in the Turkish Army stationed on the heights of Gallipoli, my story is a treasured family fable.

Australia's great bond with Turkey is a lasting legacy of World War I, and one against all odds. Where else in history have two staunch enemies stood as one with great pride to commemorate their battle?

Anzac Day is a chance for all Australians, no matter their religion or race, to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women. From the biggest cities to the smallest towns, our young men and women answered the call, boarded the boats and protected the people of Australia in lands unknown.

It's not just Gallipoli we acknowledge, or even World War I. Anzac Day is a day we commemorate all Australians who have put their life at risk, or given it for their country. We also pay our respects to those they left behind families, partners, and children.

As always, thousands of Victorians will make the pre-dawn pilgrimage to the Shrine of Remembrance they've done so for more than 80 years but if you can't make it to the Shrine, there are more than 400 events across the state in communities great and small.

And there are so many other ways to be involved. You could watch the Anzac Day march, or participate in memory of a fallen family member. You could explore the Shrine's Gallery of Remembrance, or pay homage to the Australian-Turkish Friendship Memorial that takes pride of place at Kings Domain.

You could proudly wear a poppy, or even make one, as part of the 5000 Poppies project. Of course, you could buy a badge for the Anzac Day Appeal.

I am fortunate enough to be representing Victoria at Gallipoli, where I am determined to walk in the footsteps of my grandfather. His friendship with the father of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, is Eren family folklore.

It's a pilgrimage more than 10,000 proud Australians will embark on. As the Victorian Minister for Veterans, it's a trip I am privileged to take, and one I never thought I would.