In 1995, the federal government acknowledged the 50th anniversary of World War II by giving RSL sub branches around the country $2500.

Mr Rymer, who was the honorary secretary of Dapto RSL sub branch at the time, used the money to print 3500 copies of the booklet Remember for all students and staff at the eight schools in Dapto.

Thanks indirectly to Mr Rymer and to Hansen and Coles Funerals director Warwick Hansen, this year 15,000 copies of Remember will be re-printed nationally, more than 2500 of them for the Wollongong local government area.

The booklet was originally produced in 1995 by the National Support Group of the 55th/53rd Australian Infantry Battalion in remembrance of the 161 members of those battalions killed in action or died of wounds in WWII.

"The booklet was produced because they wanted the traditions to be remembered by young people," Mr Rymer said.

"That's a message I want to continue in the community ... that's why I've re-printed the booklet."

The Dapto RSL member has given 310 booklets to Koonawarra Public School, 35 to the Shepherd Centre in Wollongong and a copy each to Thirroul, Austinmer, Corrimal and Kiama/Jamberoo RSL sub branches.

Inspired by Mr Rymer, Mr Hansen has had 350 copies made for St John's Catholic Primary School in Dapto.

He also was successful in getting parent company InvoCare to support the project nationally.

"There is probably going to be about 15,000 of these printed across Australia in the first run and we will have about 2500 here in Wollongong," Mr Hansen said.

"If anyone would like a copy they can contact any one of our (Hansen and Coles Funerals) offices at Bulli, Wollongong and Kembla Grange for a copy. People can also visit our website at hansenandcolefunerals.com.au for more information."

Mr Hansen said the whole project was about keeping the traditions alive.

"If the children, and indeed others, aren't reminded of this, it all just fades into history. It just gets forgotten. We can't allow that to happen," he said.