The 103-year-old is in lockdown in his aged care residence and finds it a great pity there will be no marches during the pandemic. But it is the Anzac Day message, paying tribute to those who have served, that remains important to Mr Prolongeau.

"I'm quite happy as a person to conform to what is being requested of everyone. I've got my medals with me and I'll still be putting them on... they bring happy memories," Mr Prolongeau said.

"I feel as though I should wear my medals, they come from something I'll never forget and that was a significant part of my life.

"We're Australians, we have to remember the past. I always did what was asked of me and have some great memories as a result. You have to respect what took place."

A devout Christian, Mr Prolongeau was conscripted to Australia's World War II efforts but asked for a non-combatant role. He started in the kitchens and became a field ambulance corporal in Papua New Guinea.

It was 4am in Bougainville when Mr Prolongeau learned the war had ended. This came after he served 15 consecutive weeks in jungle warfare.

April 1 marked 75 years since he could return home to Ballarat and marry his sweetheart Joy, who is almost 99 years old.

Mr Prolongeau initially never spoke much about his war experience. He returned to Sebastopol and became Ballarat's first civilian ambulance officer, a position he held for 22 years.

It was when the son of his former sergeant sought him out, the son wanting to know more about his dad, that Mr Prolongeau started to talk more about the war. The visit reminded him how close he was to the men in his unit and he started to reflect more.

Mr Prolongeau has not marched the past couple of years - he said his walker tended to get in the way of things - but he has proudly remained part of Sebastopol RSL commemorations. He took part in the Ballarat march last year, driven in a golf cart, with his great-grandson Andre.

When The Courier spoke to Mr Prolongeau earlier this month, his concerns during coronavirus were for appropriate Anzac commemorations amid COVID-19, especially for Vietnam veterans he felt deserved greater recognition.

Now, closer to Anzac Day, Mr Prolongeau wanted to make clear that while there was no march, there was always something we could all do to continue remembrance.

"I like to write so I sometimes pen little pieces about the war time which brings me a certain amount of comfort," Mr Prolongeau said.

"It's a great pity that we cannot march as usual this year but we need to just accept that.

"Everything will blow over by this time next year and you can bet anything we will all be out in droves marching."

Special holidays throughout the year

Each important as they appear

While in the Ballarat area wide

Anzac Day is remembered with pride

Surpasses with sadness - memories alone

Loss of loved ones, not returning home

Families suffering who never forget

A family member, with regret

WWII - overseas - also close at hand

Vietnam warriors fight, in a foreign land

Lest we forget - and casual be

Of those who fought - air, land and sea

We will remember them - let courage excel

Australian troops have always done well

So let's demonstate - appreciate - and

Respectfully honour.

Lest we forget.