Milligan joined the New Zealand Army in 1954 and fought in Malaya in the 1960s. He married a daughter of a serviceman, had relatives in both the First and Second World Wars and had sons and grandsons who were deployed in places like Singapore and Vietnam.
"You could say it's almost in my blood to be a serviceman."
As a serviceman, Milligan was only able to see his wife on Sundays in the early days of their relationship, due to being based in different parts of the country. Letters and the odd phone call was what kept their relationship alive.
However, once Milligan was deployed he was able to take his wife and nine-month-old son to Malaya while he served.
A smile crossed Milligan's face as a spoke of the good memories and times he had with his family and friends while in service.
Milligan helped design the Tauranga RSA's cenotaph where the service would be held this morning. About 2000 people typically attended the Tauranga dawn service.
The sun was also expected to do its bit on Anzac day, with moderate temperatures expected for those getting up at dawn and a warm day with a bit of sun overall.
On the other side of town, Mount Maunganui RSA club support manager Peter Moss and other veterans were preparing for more than 15,000 people to fill attend the Mount Maunganui dawn service.
He said the dawn service was something that was supposed to reflect a "battlefield burial" and would be short but "poignant".
A highlight for Moss will be the moment jets do a low flyover from the seaside with their lights on for the dawn service. He said it was always a spectacular view and an emotional moment for many.
Commander Mark Tandy R.A.N from the Australian High Commission and representing the Australian Defence Force will be in attendance, which Moss said would be a special part of the service.
Moss said he expected the Mount Maunganui RSA to be "chocka-block" after the service and that every single person, no matter their nationality, and even the emergency service workers would get a free breakfast.
The Mount Maunganui RSA has the largest membership of any RSA in the country, he said.
Metservice meteorologist Amy Rossiter said there was a low-pressure system lingering yesterday , however, that would blow over and "pull the showers away with it" for the dawn services.
She said there would be a bit of morning cloud first thing and then will fine up for most of the day, with a max temperature of 23C.
There was a chance of an afternoon shower and it will likely cloud up this evening . However, the weather was going to hold out for all the Anzac day services.
Anzac Day commemorations
Dawn parades
Marchers assemble 5.45am, services start at 6am at:
Mount Maunganui Cenotaph (opposite Mt Drury)
Tauranga RSA Cenotaph
Maketū Cenotaph
Katikati Memorial Square, Main Rd
Katikati Tuapiro Marae
Civic services
9am - Memorial Park, Tauranga
11am – Te Puke Memorial Hall, Jellicoe St
11am – Pāpāmoa Memorial, Stella Pl
Cemetery services
9am – Katikati Cemetary service
10.30am – Pyes Pa cemetery service
