Pride and community spirit resounded through Sydney's centre as a crowd of thousands turned up to watch the Anzac Day march.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Up to 10,000 servicemen and women including veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, the Gulf War, East Timor and Afghanistan strode to the familiar beat of drums and bagpipes.
The overwhelming message from the watching crowd was one of pride - in past serving family members from as far back as Gallipoli to freshly graduated cadets.
"Aussie Aussie Aussie!" one young boy cried out, an Australian flag in hand.
"They're funny uniforms!" another quipped as the pair watched a band of bagpipers pass by.
Mum Elizabeth Matthews said she came to watch the march on Thursday so her children could "know what Australia is all about".
"We want to instil the Australian values and teach our kids what it's all about," she told AAP.
Judy and Collin Horn travelled from Maitland in NSW's lower Hunter region to watch the march for the first time.
"We always watch it on the telly but we thought we'd come down to Sydney to see it this year," Ms Horn said.
Vivian Sun watched on from the sideline to support her daughter Cassie, a 16-year-old cadet from James Ruse Agricultural High School.
"When we first came to Australia we wanted to learn the history," she told AAP.
"We were so proud and surprised to learn more than 100 Chinese served in the First World War.
"Now our daughter will serve and we are so proud."
For those veterans unable to make the 2km stretch, wheelchairs and cars were on hand.
But for one World War II former chief petty officer - the last living member of his squadron - a twirl of his walking stick and a boost from the crowd was enough to keep him going.
Earlier, hundreds gathered under a full moon and clear skies for a solemn pre-dawn service in Martin Place.
A crowd huddled around the near 100-year-old Cenotaph in crisp weather to mark the 109th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli during World War I.
NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, Premier Chris Minns and Police Commissioner Karen Webb were among those to lay wreaths.
Mr Minns continued the dawn service tradition with a reading from Australian writer and World War I veteran Elliott Napier's moving poem Salute.
"You who have loved will remember the glow of their glad young years, as you stand today to salute them in silence, with pride and with tears," he told the silent crowd.
The premier commended the early morning turnout.
"Times like today the community can come together and remember those who gave their lives for our country and it's so nice to see it remain a solemn occasion," he said.
As the lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on the cenotaph, Air Vice Marshal Glen Braz said Anzac Day had come a long way since it was first commemorated in 1916.
"With conflicts since then, the meaning has evolved," he said.
"While World War I veterans are no longer with us, and there are few remaining from World War II and Korea among us, today standing in this crowd are veterans of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as veterans of numerous peacekeeping missions.
"Australians who found within themselves the selflessness and courage to serve our country, to serve you and protect our way of life ... to these remarkable individuals, we say thank you."
Lifeline 13 11 14
Open Arms 1800 011 046
Australian Associated Press
