The Anzac spirit will shine brightly in Dubbo this morning as thousands of people gather to remember the sacrifice of servicemen and women in war.
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Commemorations will begin before first light when an estimated 2000 people assemble at the Victoria Park Cenotaph for the dawn service.
The 10.30am march and 11am traditional service are expected to draw a crowd of more than 5000.
For some, celebrations will continue throughout the day with gatherings of mates, carousing and games of two-up.
The traditions of Anzac Day are all-important for Tom Gray who is in his fourth year as Dubbo RSL Sub-branch president.
Mr Gray spent 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy. He was involved in conflicts in Borneo and Malaya and made three trips to Vietnam escorting troops and equipment being transported on HMAS Sydney.
Mr Gray believes the original Anzacs would be amazed by the recognition they still have today.
"Anzac Day is a big deal and rightly so when we look at what they did," he said.
"Today we remember the Australian and New Zealand troops involved in the first landings at Gallipoli in 1915.
"We remember those who served during WWI, WWII and all modern conflicts."
Mr Gray said more people were aware of the realities of war because of images played out on television screens.
"Everyone knows what's happening and that has to be a good thing," he said.
"It took a long while for Vietnam veterans to be recognised. I know our sub-branch and the community of Dubbo will not let that happen to the young people who have come back from the Gulf War and Afghanistan.
"They made made a big contribution. Some 20,000 Australian service personnel went to Afghanistan, 40 died and 260 were wounded. A great many more are carrying mental scars."
Mr Gray said a considerable number of people who turned out to Anzac celebrations each year had family connections with those who had served in theatres of war.
"Others may not have that strong, personal link but they still care deeply about what servicemen and women have done for this country," he said.
"They realise Australia would not have the freedoms we enjoy today without the sacrifices made for us.
"Anzac Day is not held to glorify war, it is about thanking those who have helped keep this lucky country free."
Mr Gray has been pleased to see attendance at Dubbo Anzac services increasing.
"Next year the Gallipoli century will result in an even bigger crowd," he said.
"It is good to see the community understanding what Anzac Day is all about.
"Those who served in war don't talk about the war, they talk about their mates.
"When you look at displays at places like the Canberra War Memorial it is incredible that our troops survived. During WWI the trenches were full of water and mud. It was virtually the same in WWII. In Vietnam it was stinking jungle. Korea was snow and cold. In Vietnam, the Gulf War and Afghanistan there was the difficulty of not knowing who you were fighting."
Mr Gray urges Dubbo and district residents to attend at least one Anzac event today.
"If you can't get to a service make the time to have a minute's silence," he said.
"Appreciate the fact that Anzac Day is not just a public holiday - it is a day of remembrance."