Suffering health issues, including emphysema, means walking further than 50 metres is a struggle for Mr Parker.
"I noted in the invitation that people with limited mobility should contact the council, which I did. The lady I spoke to suggested I contact the RSA," he said.
"I informed her I had already done that and was told that transportation to or from the function was the responsibility of council." The council staffer suggested he contact Age Concern or Grey Power, and it was then he told the officer he would not be attending.
The incident had left him "very disillusioned" with the council.
Yesterday mayor Annette Main said she was sorry Mr Parker decided not to attend. She said the invitation did say people could contact council if they had limited mobility and required assistance to get into the War Memorial Centre hall.
But she said council was never going to provided transport to or from the venue.
"Our staff endeavoured to be as helpful to the invited veterans as possible. I have had feedback that any special assistance required by veterans was acknowledged and actioned," Ms Main said.
"The staff member who suggested alternative means of transport for Mr Parker was trying to assist as best as she could."
But Mr Parker said the council response was just "passing the buck".
"The invitation said anyone with mobility issues should let council know - that's what I did.
"How was I to know that didn't mean transport to the event," he said.
"I'm not the sort of person who writes letters to the paper, but this just wasn't good enough."