IMAGES of terrified soldiers who had "pissed in their own pants" have been used by Tasmania's governor to implore Australians not to glorify war on Anzac day.
Governor Peter Underwood says the country needs to remember the realities of conflict as the centenary of Anzac day approaches.
He has used a graphic description of an evacuation by a Vietnam War helicopter crewman to make his point.
The crewman describes soldiers being pushed out of an overcrowded chopper so it can take off and escape enemy fire.
He writes those being abandoned were so afraid "some had even pissed in their own pants".
Mr Underwood says Australia is in danger of overlooking the brutal reality of war as the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing approaches in 2015.
"That is what war is really like and, with respect to those who have a different view, I say that is how we should tell it to our children," he said.
The governor said the "real heroes" of war were those who fought in fear because their country needed them.
"They deserve honouring and remembering as they struggled to overcome the terror and do their duty: not the mythical tall, lean, bronzed and laconic Anzac, enthusiastically and unflinchingly carrying the torch of freedom in the face of murderous enemy fire," he said.
"Australia needs to drop the sentimental myths that Anzac day has attracted.
"The soldiers of Gallipoli must be respectfully, but realistically honoured and each of us must remain resolute about peace."
Tasmanian RSL president and Vietnam veteran Chris Munday hailed the speech, but acknowledged some would find it controversial.
"That was the best speech I ever heard in my life," Mr Munday told AAP.
"That gentleman told the truth.
"It's bloody horrible."
Thousands of marchers and onlookers crowded the Hobart Cenotaph for the city's official wreath-laying service.
Earlier, more than 5000 attended the city's dawn service.
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